"Be sober, be vigilant;
because your adversary the devil
walks around like a roaring lion,
seeking whom he may devour.
Resist him, steadfast in the faith,
knowing that the same sufferings
are experienced by
your brotherhood in the world."
~ 1 Peter 5:8-9
He is a liar from the beginning. Whispering in the ears of those who will listen and causing all kinds of pain and suffering. I imagine him laughing at the tears of one who has lost something precious. His whole intent is to cause heartache and despair and is never more happy than when he orchestrates the ruin of a life. The tidal wave of his machinations are to be seen in every direction to where even the sky is filled with the smoke of hell. It can cause hopelessness in the very strong of heart and bleed the weak dry.
And yet . . .
Where does fear come from and how does one battle against it? For myself, I can become fearful when I see with my natural eye sorrow and suffering around me and experience hardships. But, as a believer in the providence of God we are called to look beyond ourselves to something greater, bigger than any problem or experience that we see naturally. In times of trouble this takes more will power than we are used to. It isn't easy to stand up to the crowd who would cry, "Crucify Him" knowing that the possibility is that they would kill you too. Much safer to stay at home, stay quiet, and maybe it will all go away.
And yet . . .
Be vigilant and watchful. The evil one is very much alive and working. Be aware and notice when evil is at work and do something. Look on the circumstances with a sober judgment. Call out injustice for what it is. Don't be afraid of him (the devil) or any of the the plans he puts in place. Your life is precious to the God who has saved you and nothing, NOTHING, can thwart God's plans for your life. There is no virus, no groups of people, fires or debilitating smoke that can alter God's plan for his people. You are part of an army called to move forward and not stand still. Be an instrument of grace and mercy to those that are suffering even if that means you suffer too.
Therefore . . .
Resist and stand firm against any ugliness you see or encounter. Be wise as serpents but harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). We are called to be cunning (in the good sense) and persuasive with our words and our life so that others will see and hear what is right and worthy*. Stay strong and affirm the faith that you profess because it is He who goes before you making a way. Do not be afraid! The evil one is strong but our God is stronger. No weapons that are formed against us can prosper even if it looks like it does.
And finally . . .
Realize that our Savior loves you with an everlasting love and will not allow anything to happen to you that is not in His plan for you. There is no valley so deep or river so high that can withstand the love of God for his people. Stand firm in the love of God and you will do well and be well.
"And after you have suffered a little while,
the God of all grace, who has called you
to his eternal glory in Christ,
will himself restore, confirm,
strengthen, and establish you.
~ 1 Peter 10:10
Then, in the end, all the glory will be given to the One who is worthy of all praise.
"To him be the dominion forever and ever.
Amen."
~ 1 Peter 10:11
*Of course I understand that everyone's opinions are different but I assume right to come the authority of the Bible
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