We really have to be vigilant against our great enemy Satan. For some reading this, this post may be a wake-up call! But for others, it will be a reminder to STAY on guard. As Christians, we have to know that we will be engaged in spiritual warfare. And yes, I know, some days can be great and wonderful in our lives, don’t get me wrong. But then there are other times when we feel this immense pressure and know without a shadow of a doubt that this is absolute spiritual warfare. That’s why it’s so important that we stay sober and alert in these last days, and arm ourselves to fight to win.
The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (KJV) He is on the prowl, especially in these final days before our Lord Jesus Christ returns. He’s stepping up his warfare. He’s causing strife, wrecking marriages, tearing up families, deceiving Christians, bringing forth division amongst the saints, breathing doubt, the list can literally go on and on. But that’s exactly why we have to stay awake and be on guard against his schemes.
In another version of this same verse it says, “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT) He is a destroyer. We have to keep in mind that the enemy’s ultimate goal is to get us distracted, side-tracked, off course, and focused on trivial things. He’s cunning, slick, and very subtle. He’s a tempter, deceiver, liar, and a seed planter. And his whole intent is to try to get us to stop loving and serving our God and others around us. That’s his MO. And if we’re asleep, and focusing on all the wrong stuff, he will catch us unaware, and suddenly attack us.
Trust me. I would know, because I went through that before. I remember being totally caught off guard. The enemy caught me sleeping…literally. And God allowed it for His purpose. I’ve found that a lot of times God allows things to happen in our lives not only to teach us valuable lessons or to bring forth powerful testimonies, but also to help us to get back focused on what’s most important. And the most important thing is loving the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves as Mark 12:30-31 says. It’s about relationship. It’s about love. We can’t lose sight of this!
With that being said, know that there will be attacks against you, sis. It comes with being a Christian. You will be persecuted. You will go through tests and trials. You will face some tough periods in your life. And you will have personal struggles. The same goes for me. Yet, we must be aware of what Jesus tells us in John 16:33, “I have told you this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (NLT) With Christ we WIN!
And sure, we may get knocked down sometimes. Again, we’re in a fight. But we have to purpose to get back up again and keep fighting until we win…until we overcome! That’s what being strong in the faith looks like. It’s fighting to the finish no matter what happens. First Peter 5:9 says, “Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.” We’re in this fight together.
With God on our side, we win. With the word of God, we win. With strength and love for our fellow Christian brothers and sisters, we win. With doing God’s will, we win. We’re in this army together! So let’s win the war by staying sober and alert in these last days! All agreed?!
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
**Recommended book this week, "Stand Up and Fight Back: How to Take Authority Over Satan & Win" By Ken Abraham.
*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to leave a comment or for questions you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I will respond promptly. Also, if this post and ministry has blessed your life, please consider making a donation of any amount today to help further the gospel here @ http://www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org/.
*And don’t forget to tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts, “Like” my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye), and follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/InOutwCourtnaye. Also, share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!
I read this posy and I felt like it was address specifically for me. I felt like Jesus was speaking into my spirit. I love reading your weekly post. It’s uplifting. I find myself not being sober minded and I find myself talking to God asking for guidance and for him to speak to me. He never disappoints because I would receive your post or a inspirational text from a friend.
Thanks for the inspiration to continue to fight!
Praise God! I’m so grateful to God that my posts minister to you right when you need it! God is sooooo faithful! I love it when He moves like that. Thanks so much for reading my posts, sis! May God continue to bless your life with His wisdom, love, and direction!
I really enjoyed the teaching, thank you!