Scripture: Be alert and of sober mind. 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 the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9
Observation: Writing to the believers, Peter closes with this warning about the devil. He says the devil actively seeks out believers to "devour", and that we are to "resist" him. However, Peter also states what that resistance looks like. It is ... faith in the face of suffering. Satan uses suffering, hardships, persecution, and hard times as a challenge to our faith, and then pounces like a lion making a kill when we lose faith in Jesus. He does this by inserting fear and doubt into our circumstance, and looking for us to crumble.
Application: Suffering is part of everyone's life. Even as I lament my situation, I see other with dying family, true tragedy, physical hardships, and destroyed lives. I have fears and doubts, but I do not and will not lose faith in Jesus. I have seen too many times over and over in my life when he has already provided for me and my family. It is true that the provision is not always what I anticipated, but it is always what I have needed.
True resistance of satan is faith in Jesus. I have that faith. I wish I were stronger, but I am improving. I wish I wasn't afraid, but my fear is mostly for my wife and daughter and the sadness they have. I know that all believers undergo suffering - I know that all people undergo suffering - and faith is how we overcome.
Prayer: Lord, you know my prayer this day. Please deliver us from our circumstances. I desire security for my family, and I desire glory for you in this situation. You are my rock, my strong protector, my safe harbor, my fortress, my redeemer. I anchor myself to you. Please take action soon. Amen.
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