The Bible tells us that Satan prowls around like a roaring lion.
“Be alert and of sober mind. 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 the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings” 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV).
I live in the middle of the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the northern border of the U.S. It is tens of thousands of acres of wilderness. We don’t have lions, as the Bible is speaking of, except for an occasional mountain lion. We do have bears and wolves. They are predators, and it is at night in the darkness that predators roam about, seeking something to devour. It is the same with Satan; he prowls in the darkness, seeking out those with whom he might destroy their relationship with Christ.
The first part of verse eight tells us to be alert and of sober mind. At all times we must be alert to the tactics Satan uses against us. We must be sober of mind, sober spiritually, prepared to resist the devil at every turn. If we sleep or doze off in our spiritual life, satan is right there to over-power us.
Peter again warns us to prepare our minds to resist satan. To always keep the final goal of heaven and being in the presence of Jesus Christ before us.
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” 1 Peter 1:13 (NIV).
The battle is not for our physical bodies, they are only temporary. It is for our minds, our very souls. Every true believer of Jesus Christ on earth is in the same battle, all are enemies of the devil.
So prepare yourself mentally. Stay spiritually awake, and don’t convince yourself that you can’t stray off of God’s path just a little way. Off the path is darkness, and it is in this darkness that Satan lurks to devour his prey.
But there is hope. James 4:7 states, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (ESV).
James 1:12 promises that those who persevere through their trials and temptations will receive their reward in the end, eternity in paradise.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him”
Stand firm. “Walk in the light as he himself (Christ) is in the light, ” Heaven awaits!
Books by Jerry, many of which you may read for free on Prime: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jerry-Blount/author/B06XK4GJT1
- Things You Probably Didn’t Learn in Church
- Basic Christianity: Living a Joy-Filled Life and Making a Difference
- The End Times: Signs and Prophecy
- Noah and the Great Flood: Proof and Effects
- Following Jesus and Fishing Along the Way: Stories of God’s Great Outdoors
- The Rapture: Coming Soon
- Delighting in the Lord: Enjoying a Close Walk with Jesus
- Evidence of God: Proof beyond Doubt
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