"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 suffering." 1 Peter 5:6,9.
As I sit and work around the campfire in the jungle of life, there are a couple of lions called Defeat and Deceit prowling around the outskirts. They are waiting for a moment of weakness, weariness or inattentiveness from their prey...that's me!
As they circle the campsite their snarls almost take on human form, suggesting to me that "you can't do it" and "give up". They try to tire me with these persuasions and then they will pounce.
I can hear their tummies rumble as their dribble falls from their jaws.
Luckily, my two friends Wisdom and Faithfulness are with me. In their travels, they have seen the likes of these two beasts before. They know what to do. They tell me how to put on the armor of God for protection.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes...so that when the day of evil comes, you may stand your ground...stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breast plate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition, take up the shield of faith...the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God." Parts of Ephesians 6;11-17. [Please refer to Bible for the whole verse].
Wisdom and Faithfulness tell me that I will be okay as long as I stay near the campfire (the Holy Spirit) over night. They tell me that the lions will be gone in the morning. They tell me to think positive as this will help cast out fear. Think of things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and anything that is excellent and praise worthy, they say. (Refer to Philipians 4:8).
Wisdom and Faithfulness were right. By morning, the lions had gone but they still have the smell of my scent on their nostrils. They will be back ... but now I know how to handle them.
And so my friend that is how it is with the devil, prowling around us. He looks for every opportunity to devour us. The good news is that Christ has already overcome him. All we need to do is not be defeated or deceived but instead put on the armor of God and keep our focus on Jesus.
REMEMBER: "Yet amid all these things, we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him (Christ Jesus) who loved us". Romans 8:37.
Jenteelability. http:/devotionalchristiancafe.blogspot.com
2 comments:
What I hate is waking up in the morning and Satan is right there - with a phonecall, kids already fighting - you get the drift.
I am tired...I need to get balance back in my life.
I am sure this blog is going to be the start of my more balanced diet.
Thanks Jen
Well here i sit havin decaf(is it ok to drink decaf in ur cafe??!!) Def gotta read Hinds feet in high places again as this reminds me of it. Tho dont have a copy and its a really old book. Will add that to my ever growing to do list! Weakness, weariness, suffering, defeat, deceipt...do u know that cud sound quite depressing....but u no wot the great thing is....we are able to put on the armour of God and have Wisdom and Faithfulness to help us. This makes me wonder how people who dont know God survive! Its hard enuf for Christians but its the non christians i feel sorry for as they dont have the help in this beaten up crazy world! We ARE more than conquerors - here but by the grace of God go I.
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