8. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Satan is active. Churches breaking up, pastors involved with sexual perversions, leader addicted to pornography, not to mention racism, greed, embezzlement and injustice. You must not let down your guard down. Many Christians give in to the temptations and as a result it affects their faith and others.
Simple flirting can quickly turn into an affair. Innocent borrowing a little cash quickly escalates into stealing. A little distortion of the truth soon becomes a series of outright lies. A little pick me up with some drug, soon captivates desires for more.
Satan is full of deceit. If he can fill you with pride, he'll do it. If he can fill you with low-self-esteem to keep you from using your gifts, he'll do it. If he can keep you preoccupied with unimportant things, he'll do it.
There are times when the evil one will smack us in the face with adversity and outright temptation, but more cunningly he attacks while we are asleep spiritually, not dependent, not praying, not seeking God's will for today. We cannot stand on yesterday’s victories.
There is strength given by God, if we really want it. We must have our minds under control. How we are thinking makes a difference for our resistance. Take your stand on truth and refuse to be moved. Be stubborn. Your weapons are salvation, sanctification, the Bible, prayer, and the armor of God.
Never get the idea that you are the only one going through these battles, because our fellow believers are facing the same trials. We must pray for one another and encourage each other in the Lord.
I am surprised when people in church think they are the only ones with a particular problem, sin, or temptation. We all suffer, although in different ways. We all have burdens we carry. We all hurt and bleed in some area of our life that others do not know about. Marriages in conflict, problems with money, infidelity, depression, sin, unsatisfied with work, and the list goes on.
Whatever you are facing, you are not alone. Satan delights in getting us into the attitude of self-pity or just giving up because of repeated failures. Don’t believe him. Do not let Satan have upper hand. Stand firm believing God, not your emotions. With a steadfast determination trust Him, follow Him and believe Him. When you fall get up.
I have been a strong advocate of having an accountability partner or small group where you can share and pray together and ask the hard questions. Do not forsake the fellowship of believers.
Application: When you face trials, run to His Word.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for Your Word that strengthens me to resist the attacks of the enemey on all fronts. I trust You Lord.
