Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 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. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11 (ESV)
I don’t know about you, but I don’t often think of devil being a roaring lion looking for food. More often, I think of God caring for me and how I can always cast my cares on Him.
I think that is how it should be. Our focus should be on God and His power rather than obsessing about the danger of this prowling enemy.
However, we can’t forget that he is there, seeking ways to trip us up and keep us from accomplishing all that God has for us. That roaring lion will do whatever he can to keep us from overcoming.
There is suffering in this sinful world and we are not exempt from trouble. But we have a mighty God who empowers us to overcome.
When we are suffering, it can feel like we are being overcome, but we have steps to follow from this passage:
1. Humble yourself
2. Cast all your cares on Him
3. Be soberminded
4. Be watchful
5. Resist the devil
6. Stay firm in your faith
It is comforting to know what to do in times of great trouble. The good news is that the suffering will not last forever.
Even though we may suffer a little while, God will:
1. Restore
2. Confirm
3. Strengthen
4. Establish
He will enable us to be overcomers.
We do have an adversary who is like a roaring lion. He wants to overcome us. To devour us.
God has made us lion tamers. We can resist the devil, removing his power over us.
We can hold up our hand to Him, through the name of Jesus who has already conquered the devil. We can shut him down when he blusters and roars at us.
We are lion tamers. We are overcomers.
Action Step: If you are suffering, follow the six steps. Be encouraged that it will not last forever. God has a plan for you and me. If you are not in a time of suffering, be watchful for the approach of the devil and overcome him through the power of God.
Dear God, thank You that You are stronger and more powerful than the devil will ever be. Suffering does not overcome us forever. You empower us and restore us according to Your mercy. Help us to recognize the approach of the devil and to respond firm in our faith, resisting him at every turn. In Jesus’ name, amen.