Today’s reading is 1 Peter 5
Throughout this letter, Peter has talked about how we should behave in the presence of Gentiles who do not believe, who belittle us, who mock us, who persecute us. We suffer. But as we suffer, we behave honorably so those who mistreat us may be put to shame. More than that, they will be surprised by our distinct hope. Some will even ask about it. Some will be lured to our hope. Some will be won by our hope.
But right here at the end of the letter, Peter lets us in on an open secret. The enemy behind the suffering, the grievous trials, the persecutions, the afflictions is not actually the people doing these things. The adversary is the devil. He has one goal with the hardships we face. He is looking for someone to devour. You are that someone. He wants to devour you.
We must understand what is at stake. As we face the persecutions and the sufferings, Satan wants to convince us to abandon God. He claims we will be protected, safe, pleased if we quit living honorably and instead go along with the sin of those around us. Life will be easier. And, perhaps, for a time, it will seem easier. We may get to live “the good life” for a while. We may have great pleasures for a time. But all the while, the devil is devouring us one little bit at a time.
We need to resist the devil. We need to resist his tools and weapons, whether the tools he uses are godless governments, harsh masters, or unbelieving spouses. There will be times we think the resistance is futile. There will be times we think the resistance is too hard. There will be times we think the resistance isn’t worth it. Life would be so much easier if we would just compromise here and there, now and then. A little compromise never hurt anyone, right? No need to get extreme, right? I mean, its not like we have to be perfect to get to heaven or anything, right?
But with each compromise, the devil is nibbling away. So Peter tells us, “Resist him!” That will only happen if we are firm in our faith. Our level of conviction will determine our level of resistance. Do we really believe in God? Do we really believe God? Do we really believe He has a reward for us? Do we really believe His ways are good for us? Do we really believe Satan’s ways are bad for us? Believe God. Believe He rewards those who seek Him and resist the adversary.
Are you worried you won’t make it? Cast that anxiety on God. He cares for you. Are you worried you aren’t strong enough? Cast that anxiety on God. He cares for you. Are you worried you don’t have what it takes? Cast that anxiety on God. He cares for you. Are you worried about past failures? Cast that anxiety on God. He cares for you.
And remember, you aren’t alone. Brothers and sisters all over the world experience the same temptations and persecutions you do. You haven’t been singled out. The trials are not a sign you have been rejected. Satan’s attacks are not a sign you have been abandoned by God. Satan’s attacks are a sign you are with God and Satan is desperate to capture you.
Be on the alert. Keep your head about you. Be ready for the attack. Resist it. Cast your concerns, worries, and anxieties in the middle of all this on God. He will win. Therefore you will win.
Praise the Lord!
Tomorrow’s reading is 1 Peter 5.
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PATHS:
Discuss Today’s Meditation with Your Family
How does 1 Peter 5 prompt or improve your hope in God?
Read the Bible 