Resist the Devil

The Devil is crafty, subtle and slick; but sometimes he’s obvious! Peter describes him as a “roaring lion seeking...to devour.” We have to be alert because just as sure as God is real, so is the devil. He is known as the prince of this world, and he will do all he can to try to get us to do evil and to turn away from our creator. What can we do to ensure that we are not “devoured” by the devil?

Submit our will to the Lord. “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Peter 5:5-6). When we submit ourselves to the Lord fully and completely, then there is nothing left to give to the devil. God created us and has given us His word to live by. If we do, then we won’t allow the devil to entice us.

Surrender our worry to the Lord. “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). So many people allow themselves to become bogged down with worry. The devil loves it when people become so worried about things that God is no longer in focus. When we read God’s word and understand that He truly cares about us then it is easy to surrender our “worries” to Him. Let Him take care of those things that we have no control over. Peace of mind is to be treasured. We have it when the worries of life are given over to God and we get on with living for Him and for one another.

Strengthen our walk with the Lord. “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9). We are not the first ones who have faced trials and tribulation in our lives. Everyone faces them! But when we stand firm in our faith and trust in the Lord, resisting the devil, then we can have a firm confidence in our life and service for Him. 

See the work of the Lord. “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10). When we realize that God is always in control we only need to just look around and see the work of the Lord in all things. Stand firmly for Him, even after enduring a trial here and there. The devil will keep on trying to get us to waiver, but in God, we have THE ONE who will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. 

One thing is clear to everyone who is striving to live a life devoted to God and that is resisting the devil and drawing near to God is a lifelong endeavor. The Bible says “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Remember, the devil does not have to work on those who live for the world because he already has them in his domain. The devil is working on those of us who have not given in to him. Don’t succumb to his temptations. Let this be a day that we become determined to live for Christ always. Our eternal resting place with Jesus depends on it.