Facing Attack?

 I love how practical God’s Word is!  What could be clearer than the words from 1 Peter 5: 8-10?“Be self-controlled and alert.  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 your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”What is Peter saying?1.  Recognize you have an enemy.  Peter knew what happened if you were overconfident rather than dependent on God for inner strength.  He thought he was tough enough to resist the enemy, and ended up failing himself and Jesus.  No wonder he says, “Be self-controlled and alert.”  He is speaking from experience!As you look at your circumstances, are you running through life depending on your own wisdom to make the best choices?  Are you depending on your own strength to power through situations that could damage your walk with Christ?   Or are you alert to where you’re vulnerable and choosing to depend on the Lord to keep you strong? 2. Resist him.   Peter doesn’t mince words.  He doesn’t say “Well, if you’re really  strong, you won’t have any trouble.”  Nor does he say, “It’s all a little dramatic talking about the devil, but just be careful with temptation.”  No!  Peter says: Recognize the enemy is behind those subtle whispers to do what’s dishonest, unfaithful, immoral, selfish, or lacking in integrity.Are you resisting your enemy the devil today?  Or are you reasoning with him, or with yourself, or with someone else?   Refuse to go that way.  Run down another path—away from Satan’s sweet talk.  Wrestle with those powerful longings that he stirs up and that seem so reasonable and stand firm—dig in your heels and say to Satan: “You will not have a victory in my life in this situation.” 3. Remember others.  Around the world Christians are      undergoing suffering for their faith.       Many are standing firm in the face of tremendous hatred, violence,      and danger.  They too, are tempted      by the enemy to hide their faith, to avoid the cost of being identified with Jesus.  But the God of all grace is with you in every kind of suffering, promises Peter. And He himself will restore you and make you strong.Think about and pray for your brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering greatly for their faith. Pray that they will sense the Lord’s strength and love in spite of their suffering.  Ask God to restore them, to make them strong, re-energized and resilient.  And pray the same for yourself.  Blessings,         Poppy Smith, International Speaker, Bible Teacher, Author. www.poppysmith.comWant to win in your marriage? Take a look at Poppy's latest book here on the site or click the link below to see it on Amazon. (It's also available for your Kindle)