I’ve started watching documentaries lately, and I’m hooked. As a kid, I sometimes had to watch documentaries for school. I thought they were dry and boring, but now that I can watch documentaries on whatever topic I want to, I think they’re absolutely fascinating.
I recently watched a documentary on how lions hunt. Lions aren’t fast runners, so although they’re very strong and powerful, they tend to focus more on strategy. They carefully stalk their prey. For best results, they focus on finding an animal that’s alone instead of in a group. Lions are dangerous predators.
In 1 Peter 5, we’re reminded that all Christians are tempted by the devil. Even Jesus was tempted (Matthew 4). More than that, verses eight and nine give us very specific instructions on how we can resist the devil — be self-controlled, stay alert, and stand firm in the faith. The devil is strategic. He knows how to hit us where it hurts and where we’re most likely to succumb. Identify your weak spots and be prepared.
And just like the lion’s prey has a better chance of surviving if it is in a group rather than alone, we need to surround ourselves with other Christians. Find a core group of believers who can help you stand firm. If we all encourage each other to look to Jesus for strength, we can resist the temptations of the devil.
Lord, give me the strength to resist the devil and stand firm in my belief in you. Amen.
Go Deeper — Seek out people whose faith you admire and ask to spend time with them. Then lovingly encourage someone who may be new to the faith or weaker in their walk to join you.
Photo Credit: Adi Constantin