Not everybody in life wants the best for us. As a matter of fact, there are some who work to see our demise. This is true both of the physical and spiritual realm. There are real spiritual forces at work that do not have our best interests at heart. The Apostle Peter describes it this way,
“Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (-1 Peter 5:8b).”
How is it that we protect ourselves from this lion who would like to devour us?
1. Stay Humble.
The devil has taken out many people who were too proud to ask for help. We need help and the Lord is our Helper. Don’t go at it alone.
2. Trust that God is Going to Work It Out.
We all will have troubles, suffer, and experience downtimes in life. In these times the devil tempts us not to trust God and offers up alternative solutions that only end in regret and self-destruction. Trust that God will strengthen, exalt, and restore you at the proper time.
3. Know You’re Not Alone.
Those who wander off by themselves are easy prey. The devil will try to isolate you and make you think you are the only one facing struggles, but you are not alone. Don’t keep your burdens and heartaches to yourself. Cast them on God. Let Him lighten the load you carry. Also, know that others are facing similar things and encourage one another in the faith.
4. Be on Guard.
If we knew someone was laying a trap, the wise choice would be to lookout for that trap. Keep your mind clear. Stay focused. Know what is at stake and act accordingly.
5. Have Some Grit to Your Faith.
When you are tempted, or your faith is tested, stand firm. Resist the devil. Faith is more than an intellectual belief. It is also, heartfelt conviction and active obedience. Have some grit and hold up that shield of faith.
6. Be Intimately Acquainted with God’s Character.
God is love. He is mighty, glorious, and has dominion over all creation. He is full of grace and mercy. So much of overcoming the devil’s tactics has to do with holding onto God. Don’t let the devil paint a false narrative about God and cause you to loosen your grip.
Spend some time today prayerfully reflecting on 1 Peter 5:6-11 (ESV),
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.