We are warned in the Word of God to be alert.
Are you? Am I?
The word alert is not only an adjective, but also a noun and a verb (don’t you just love the English language! 😜).
In the context we find it in 1 Peter 5:8, it’s used as an adjective 🫣, which means we are to be vigilant, to pay full attention to things around us so that we and are able to deal with anything that might happen.
The thought of driving comes to mind.
You never know what to expect. Someone’s error can lead to so much chaos. We are to be alert for children who may dash across the street and so much more.
1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV –
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
A prowling lion?
Now that sounds dangerous. Hmmm.
BUT GOD!
Is Jesus not our perfect example?
How did He resist the devil – the Word of God.
It’s interesting in the account how the devil also came with Scripture. 🤔
Jesus refuted that with another Scripture.
Scripture can be taken out of context and applied to our situations. We must take great care not to, and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us through the Word.
Note this verse:
Luke 4:13 NIV – When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
That is a prowler alright!
How do lions prowl?
Not being as fast as most of their prey, they are said to rely heavily on the element of surprise when hunting. Their attack causes prey to panic and disperse, allowing them to isolate and attack a weaker or slower individual.
God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 9:12), we are to draw near to God and seek Him with all our hearts.
We are not to isolate ourselves from the body of believers. I always like to refer to this analogy when it comes to fellowship- a coal in the company of other burning coals also burns, but once taken out, its fire quickly dies.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV – And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
I’ll end with this verse
James 4:7 NIV – Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
God has given us armour. Let us put it on daily and continue to fight the good fight of faith.
God bless you!
🤗
