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. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. - 1 Peter 5:8-10
This has been such a powerful verse for me for the past week. I think (no, I know) that as Christians, myself included, it is so easy to forget who our battle is against--Satan. It's hard to remember how much he absolutely hates that we know Jesus, and that he is using every trick up his sleeve to try and ruin that relationship. The fact that we DO forget this is in itself a tactic of the Devil. It's weird to think that forgetfulness is something that Satan uses to his advantage, but why wouldn't he use it? Our minds slip so easily into being ignorant of the forces that want to rip us away from Christ. We need a wake up call from this! At least I do...
This is why we MUST not be forgetful. We MUST train our minds to think of Christ. No, it's not natural, that is why it's a process. A process of becoming more Christ-like. We CANNOT afford to forget the truths, promises, and hopes that Christ offers us. I mean think about it...the Devil chases hardcore after those who are saved. He doesn't have to focus his efforts as much on those who are already not saved because they are already "won" to his side in a sense. This is why he is persistent, ruthless, and will not let up on those who are saved. He wants us to turn from Christ. Satan knows he has lost, he knows his final destiny, and he will not rest until he can take as many people down with him as possible.
Brothers and sisters, it takes effort. A lot of effort. But the ultimate reward is there. Restoration is around the corner. You have been called; called to eternal glory and called to daily resist the devil. Wake up! There is a battle going on for your heart! Do not rest, do not be complacent, do not yield because he is waiting for you to do just that. Equip your minds with scripture daily, encourage your brothers and sisters daily, and guard your mind daily. Ultimately, put forth effort. Effort to oppose the devil on all sides. And know that you have victory through Christ, praise Jesus we have victory!
Love you all!
This has been such a powerful verse for me for the past week. I think (no, I know) that as Christians, myself included, it is so easy to forget who our battle is against--Satan. It's hard to remember how much he absolutely hates that we know Jesus, and that he is using every trick up his sleeve to try and ruin that relationship. The fact that we DO forget this is in itself a tactic of the Devil. It's weird to think that forgetfulness is something that Satan uses to his advantage, but why wouldn't he use it? Our minds slip so easily into being ignorant of the forces that want to rip us away from Christ. We need a wake up call from this! At least I do...
This is why we MUST not be forgetful. We MUST train our minds to think of Christ. No, it's not natural, that is why it's a process. A process of becoming more Christ-like. We CANNOT afford to forget the truths, promises, and hopes that Christ offers us. I mean think about it...the Devil chases hardcore after those who are saved. He doesn't have to focus his efforts as much on those who are already not saved because they are already "won" to his side in a sense. This is why he is persistent, ruthless, and will not let up on those who are saved. He wants us to turn from Christ. Satan knows he has lost, he knows his final destiny, and he will not rest until he can take as many people down with him as possible.
Brothers and sisters, it takes effort. A lot of effort. But the ultimate reward is there. Restoration is around the corner. You have been called; called to eternal glory and called to daily resist the devil. Wake up! There is a battle going on for your heart! Do not rest, do not be complacent, do not yield because he is waiting for you to do just that. Equip your minds with scripture daily, encourage your brothers and sisters daily, and guard your mind daily. Ultimately, put forth effort. Effort to oppose the devil on all sides. And know that you have victory through Christ, praise Jesus we have victory!
Love you all!
