Stay Alert. Attacks Happen!

“Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering” 1 Peter 5: 8-10.
 

A Game Warden in South Africa took a party of tourists on a walking safari. Carrying his heavy-gauge rifle, he warned his clients to speak softly, watch for his signals, and obey him instantly. He knew the danger of lurking lions hidden in the golden grasses and bushes around them—but one tourist refused to heed his warnings. 
 
After speaking loudly several times, the Game Warden had enough! He walked a short distance away from the group, called for a vehicle, and unceremoniously evicted the tourist from the group. 
 
His message? Lions are not to be trifled with—they are not pussycats!
 
Peter’s message describing the Devil being like a roaring lion delivers the same powerful warning. Lions attack and devour. And so does the Devil. So what is Peter emphasizing to believers?
 

1. Recognize you have an enemy. Jesus told Peter to “Feed my sheep”.  Peter of all the disciples knew what happens if we are overconfident rather than dependent on God for inner strength. He thought he was tough enough to resist the enemy but when a young woman asked him if he was one of Jesus’ followers, he denied that he knew Him. No wonder he says, “Be self-controlled and alert.” He is speaking from experience! (Matthew 26: 69-75).

 As you look at your circumstances, are you running through life depending on your own wisdom to make the best choices? Are you depending on your own strength to power through situations and make decisions that could damage your walk with Christ? Or are you alert to where you’re vulnerable and choosing to depend on the Lord to keep you strong?
 

2. Resist him and push back. Peter doesn’t mince words. He doesn’t say “Well, if you’re really strong, you won’t have any trouble.” Nor does he say, “It’s all a little dramatic talking about the devil, but just be careful with temptation.” No! Peter says: Recognize the enemy is behind those subtle whispers to do what’s dishonest, unfaithful, immoral, selfish, or lacking in integrity. 

 Are you resisting your enemy the devil today? Or are you reasoning with him, or with yourself, or with someone else? Refuse to go that way. Run down another path—away from Satan’s sweet talk. Wrestle with those powerful longings that he stirs up and that seem so reasonable and stand firm—dig in your heels and say to Satan: “You will not have a victory in my life in this situation.”
 

3. Remember others. Christians are suffering for their faith around the world. In Iran, India, Pakistan, and the Middle East, as well as many other countries, fellow believers are being imprisoned, beaten, and killed. Yet, despite great persecution, many are standing firm in their faith. They know this is the cost of being identified with Jesus; a cost that brings physical suffering but also spiritual blessing. Peter’s words encourage us when the enemy roars: “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, do not be frightened,” says Peter. “And the God of all grace… will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 3: 14; 5: 10-11)

Think about and pray for your brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering greatly for their faith. Pray that they will sense the Lord’s strength and love today despite their suffering. Ask God to make them strong and resilient.  And pray the same for yourself. 
 
What temptation do you battle with?
Who is winning--Satan or God’s Spirit?
What do you need to do to resist your enemy the Devil?
 
Get in touch if I can support you in any way.
 
Love in Christ,
Poppy