Don't give the devil an opportunity

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world."    1 Peter 5:8-9    NKJV 

The word 'vigilant' requires us to be alert and ever watchful. It reminds me of a soldier who is on guard duty. He is responsible for the safety of his unit, so therefore, he is needed to be on the ball, making sure that nothing gets past him. If it does, it could be mayhem. In the same manner, Peter is warning us to be the same because our enemy - the devil - cannot be seen and he will creep up on us when we are least expecting him to do so. Therefore, it is essential that we stand firm and established in the faith of God.

Have you ever fully realised that you are a target? It's true, you became one as soon as you came to Jesus. The devil wasn't the slightest bit interested in you before. However, when you 'joined up', you became a threat to him and he wants to stop you being dangerous. 

We need to be one step ahead of him. RT Kendal in his book, It ain't over till it's over writes: One of the best ways to know the will of God, is to figure out what you imagine the devil would want you to do, then do the opposite.' This makes so much sense and, is demonstrating that we are being vigilant, alert and one step ahead. 

One thing that we know about the devil is that, he is not our friend and he cannot be trusted. So there is a need to be alert and do the opposite of what we are being tempted to do. Kenneth Copeland says, 'If you allow the devil into the back seat of your car, pretty soon he is going to want to drive.' It is true, if we give him an inch, he will take a mile. Therefore, it is imperative that there is no break in the hedge of protection that is around us. If we sin, the hedge has an opening and he will get in. So, there is a need to ask forgiveness straightaway.

This is not a temporary thing. You will have to be on guard 24/7 for the rest of your earthly life. Why? Because you are mad, bad and dangerous to the work of the devil. You are a threat and you cause him a lot of problems. When you are on the scene and flowing in the power of the Holy Spirit, praying and singing psalms and praise to Jesus, the devil has to flee from you. He can't stand it because you are resisting him. Be careful though, because he will try again and when you least expect it. So rise up and take your shield and don't give the devil an opportunity.

Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.                                 

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