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II Chronicles 16: 9 “For the eyes of the Lord
range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed
to him.” (NIV)
I Peter 5: 8 Your enemy the devil prowls around
like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (NIV)
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Each of us is as full of the Spirit as we really want to be.* |
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Do
you ever feel like you’re being watched? Perhaps you aren’t just paranoid.
According to these two verses, you are attracting a lot of attention from high
places and low places. Spiritual warfare rages around us at all times.
We
underestimate God’s desire to rescue us from Satan’s clutches and Satan’s
determination to drag us into the pit with him. The devil is clever, sneaky,
and deceitful. Though Satan is often referred to in enticing terms, Peter calls
him a roaring lion – a creature to strike fear into our hearts. But a hungry
lion doesn’t always roar before it pounces!
We
are weak and gullible and we forget that we can choose to be on the winning
side. God’s strength is available for hearts fully committed to him. He
provides a way of escape when we are faced with temptation – an alternate
activity; the recollection of an applicable verse of scripture; or a friend to
hold you accountable. His Holy Spirit is our comforter and our counselor when
we are troubled.
If
the image of a hungry, roaring lion doesn’t alarm you, perhaps this will: God’s
promise does not apply to an uncommitted heart. Where does that leave you? As
fair game to a hungry predator.
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Most Christians seem to underestimate their ability to cope with suffering but overestimate their ability to cope with temptation.* |
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