Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. — 1 PETER 5:8–9
A vigilant attitude against our enemy will help us to avoid his traps, and the strength of the Holy Spirit through the word of God will help us to remain firm in our faith and resist his ambushes in the midst of trials. Remember that we don’t have to defeat Satan; we just have to resist him. While this “roaring lion” is not invincible, it is wise to keep your distance. In the words of the apostle James, “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). In what areas are you vulnerable to his attack? Shore up these areas with the word of God.
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Anyone would be afraid to face a lion because of its fierce and overwhelming power. Using the same imagery, Peter presents the adversary of our soul, the devil, as a roaring lion on the prowl seeking whom he will devour.
All believers are under the close watch of the enemy. He seeks the opportune moment to strike and attack with temptation. There is, however, something that every believer can do to avoid being devoured by Satan—be of sober spirit and resist his attack. Remember, then, to be vigilant and steadfast in the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
A woman came to our church, and with tears in her eyes she told me that her family was being destroyed by the enemy. She was fearful of his power and attack. She was desperate. Yet, she did not understand that even though the enemy has the power to attack, he does not have power to destroy. He is not invincible.
A vigilant attitude against our enemy will help us to avoid his traps, and the strength of the Holy Spirit through the word of God will help us to remain firm in our faith and resist his ambushes in the midst of trials. Remember that we don’t have to defeat Satan; we just have to resist him. While this “roaring lion” is not invincible, it is wise to keep your distance. In the words of the apostle James, “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). In what areas are you vulnerable to his attack? Shore up these areas with the word of God.