Scripture
8 Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.]
Reflection
We have an enemy of our souls. He wants to steal from us the precious gift which we have received from our Father in heaven. He goes about the world like a hungry lion searching for prey, looking for the weak and the vulnerable. Maybe unlike a lion but very much like him he seeks to deceive us so that he can steal from us. One of his deceptions is to get us to think that we are the only one “this” has happened to. He wants us to think we are the only one who has ever been betrayed, ever been lied to, ever been abused, ever been tempted; the only one who has ever failed. What to do? Resist the enemy and his lies, do it urgently and intentionally, make it a priority as if your life was in danger because it is. Sometimes the best way to stand is to run – get away from the temptation. Believe and trust that this will work; if you resist your enemy, and take a stand – the Lord will fight for you. “Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world” (Ps. Dale).
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell us about God and people?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Pray for those who are in prison.
