1 Peter 5:8 " Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour."
As Peter closes his letter, he gives some parting advice to the elders and young people. He tells them to be humble and submissive as they serve one another and serve God. Then Peter warns them that their enemy the devil, prowls the earth like a hungry lion eager to devour them. He challenges them to be alert and stand firm against his attacks.
We do have an enemy and he wants to destroy us. Peter is right to warn us of this threat. Every day Satan is trying to gain a foothold into my life. He will use every conversation, every circumstance, and every opportunity afforded him to destroy us. Just like a lion, he will look for the weak among the herd, then stalk and attack. Am I on the watch for him? Am I the weakest in the herd? Will I allow myself to be a victim he can devour? Thankfully, I am not on my own in this struggle. I have some great defenses on my side including scripture, prayer, my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and of course the Holy Spirit. I must utilize these weapons daily. As Peter says, I must be careful and watch for his attacks. They will come whether I like it or not.
Dear Jesus, help me withstand the attacks of the lion. Give me the strength I need to fight back! Amen.
