1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Life is tough! There is no doubt about that. Many are struggling asking where God is in the midst of all this trouble. Have you ever wondered why God allows things to happen? What if it is not God that is letting all these bad things happen? What if there was someone else causing all these challenges? What if we had an adversary who was doing things to harm us? There is! And his name is Satan, the accuser, the serpent, the evil one and many other terms. I have been told by a Pastor that she did not believe in Satan. I find there are more and more people who feel the same way. They totally discount that someone could be sabotaging their life. In fact, when I mention the adversary, I can see people sort of back away and question my sanity. Do you believe Jesus and what he says? Well Jesus said in Luke 10:18 (NIV) 18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. If Jesus said it, I believe it. We are fighting in the Spiritual realm. Let us make sure we have on the full armor of God and use the tools he has given us.
Peter warns about the activity of our adversary. He tells us that Satan prowls around like a roaring lion looking for whom he can devour. You are prey for him. He works as hard as he can to disrupt your life hoping to make you angry with God and drive a wedge into your relationship. If things are going badly, you will be upset with God because you think He allowed the difficulty. Just as the serpent deceived Eve, he works today to deceive you. In many cases, it is working. Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) warns 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. This is not an ordinary battle. You cannot fight this one on your own!
So what is encouraging about fighting in a spiritual battle against a fierce enemy? Just the fact that we are given everything we need to stand in the battle. We are given the armor to protect us. We are never subjected to a temptation beyond what we can handle. God allowed Job to go through all he faced because it would refine him and Job glorified God in the process. Job said “I know my Redeemer lives.” God gave him double what he had before. God loves you and will always work things for your good. The trials are there to refine you, not to harm you. A kite only rises against the wind. Be thankful you are being tested. It means you are on the path to the destiny God has ordained for you. You are closing in on victory.
We thank You Father that You are always there for us even when we don’t see You at work. We know that the end is victory. You prevail and You have a place for each of us in Your plan. Draw us to You and place Your hedge of protection around us this day and every day. We know we need to be refined but be gentle with us in that process. But most of all, Your will be done! In Jesus name we pray. Amen!