"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 through out the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering.
And the God of Grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while will himself restore you and make you strong , firm and steadfast."
1st Peter5:8-10
This is great advice given by Peter, the apostle of Jesus Christ!
Peter knew what it was to be tempted by the enemy, to fail, to repent and to be restored by the Lord. We know how mightily he was used of God after that.
He compares the devil to a lion which roars to frighten his prey. The lions attack the sick, young or staggering animals. They choose their victims who are alone and not alert. Peter warns us not to be careless and focused on problems; that is when we become vulnerable. We need not be scared of the lions threats by roaring. We are to stand firm on the faith. During times of suffering, seek the the support of other Christians. Don't be alone or be self confident. Feeling alone, helpless and cut off from other believers, we may focus on the problem, give in to self pity and fall into the trap of the enemy.
We are to resist the devil, standing firm on the faith. Then, "he will flee", as James said [James 4:7]
The suffering is not going to last long. The Lord will soon restore and make us strong. The night will pass and the morning will come soon bringing joy and light. Remember: We have the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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1 comment:
I am very excited, and I hope people are paying attention. The Holy Spirit is speaking through this "Be a Victor, Not a Victim" blog. In case anyone missed it, this past Sunday, our pastor also spoke on the danger of isolation. He even used the SAME example of lions to show how the enemy attacks us when we are cut off from the body. When the Holy Spirit repeats a message through two believers who are not talking to each other, we need to pay attention. Let's not miss it. This is important.
Anonymous C
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