“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.”
1 Peter 5:8-9
Upon returning home from dinner out, my sister Dianne and her husband Bill drove into their driveway. Bill let Dianne out at the front door while he planned on parking the car. As soon as she closed her car door, she was looking eye to eye with a rabid fox! Within seconds, the fox lunged into the air directly at her face. She screamed and fell to the ground as Bill got out of the car to help her. Kicking and screaming, both of them proceeded to fight for what seemed to be their lives! Sparing you the gory details, they were able to finally break free and run into the house and call for help, but not until after many injuries, a trip to the hospital and a future of a series of rabies shots for both Dianne and Bill.
This is a scary story to be sure! Unaware and never expecting such an attack right at their front door could have ended even much worse than it did. You and I live everyday in a similar scenario and often as unsuspecting. The Bible tells us that we have an enemy, worse than any rabid animal that, “prowls around looking for someone to devour.” The word prowl means to move about in a sneaky manner. The enemy is Satan! He is relentless in wreaking havoc in the lives of God’s children. When I am in the presence of my grandchildren, my Digi alert (grandma name J) goes into high gear! Protecting my precious loved ones from any potential danger is of greatest priority. The Lord feels no less protective of His children, you and me, and He wants us to live safely in this world where the devil has been allowed temporary and limited power to wreak havoc.
Scripture also warns, that “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14) Earthly temptations often look inviting, when in fact, they are not in our best interest. So, what are we to do? Jesus told us before He went home to be with The Father, “But when the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) If you and I will turn over control of our lives to The One Who gave us life, He will reveal things, as they truly are, no surprises and no disguises!
Forty days after Jesus ascended to heaven, The Holy Spirit came to be with us and in us. Yesterday, we celebrated the gift of The Holy Spirit in the church. It is called Pentecost. If you haven’t already, would you accept God’s amazing gift of His Spirit? Only through Jesus is this possible!
Father God, thank you, thank you that You have not left us alone and unprotected. Our enemy stands no chance in Your presence. Remind us to walk in The Holy Spirit as we navigate this world. AMEN
This weekly devotion is written by Sweet Sherry Sharp, Sweet Monday President and sent to our sweet friends and Generous God givers! And don’t forget . . . BSSYP (Be Sweet & Say Your Prayers).