Stand Strong
Monday, July 26, 2010
By Jean Stephens
Scripture:
8 Control yourselves and be careful! The devil, your enemy, goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone to eat. 9 Refuse to give in to him, by standing strong in your faith. You know that your Christian family all over the world is having the same kinds of suffering. 10 And after you suffer for a short time, God, who gives all grace, will make everything right. He will make you strong and support you and keep you from falling. He called you to share in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever. 11 All power is his forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:8-11 NCV)
Observation:
Peter says in verse 12 that he is writing this letter to encourage the people and to assure them that what they are experiencing is part of God’s grace and to stand firm in that grace. When going through troubles, it is not always an easy thing to remember.
Application:
Truly it is so important to stay alert and to be aware that there is an enemy lurking around looking for something to devour. Watching some of the Planet Earth videos and seeing live animals prowling and looking for something to devour is a real picture for me of what Peter is talking about here. Stay alert and stand firm.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray that I will be alert to the deceit of the enemy and that I will stand firm in my faith. I love you and you are my guard and my strength. AMEN
My God, because I give myself to you, you will tell me your ways and show me how to live. You will guide me in your truth. Psalm 25:1, 4-5