1 Peter 5:8

In 1 Peter 5:8, God’s word says, “Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

One of the devotionals in my NIV Women’s Devotional Bible reminded me of this particular verse today.  The devotional is called “A Lost Letter” and was written by Beth Donigan Seversen.   She refers to the book The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.  If you aren’t familiar with the book, “it is a fictitious diary of scolding letters from a mature demon (Screwtape) to his young nephew (Wormwood).  It is Wormwood’s job to keep a recent convert to Christianity from being productive for Chirst (the Enemy).”  In her excerpt, Seversen describes what a similar letter might be like that is specifically written about how to make a female Christian unproductive for Christ.

The letter suggests the following tactics:

1. Feed her poor self-esteem
2. Encourage her to compare herself with so-called “spiritual giants” whom she admires
3. Emphasize her weaknesses repeatedly
4. Confuse her so that she never feels forgiven

The intended results of these tactics are listed as:

1. Not being satisfied with how God created her, her intimacy with him will be lost
2. She will feel inadequate and have a fear of failure that will prevent her working for Christ, which in turn will lead to unhealthy relationships and hinder her ability to love others
3. She will believe she is unimportant to Christ and her works will be motivated not by faith, but by a dislike for herself (trying to please him through her own accomplishments)
4. She will think that Christ is never pleased with her and will therefore give up

I don’t know about you, but I can relate to experiencing the four tactics listed above.  I’m sure many women can.  So what can we do?  God lovingly provides the answer in 1 Peter 5:9, “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.  The result?  1 Peter 5:10, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

What an awesome God we serve!  He gives us everything we need, including warning us about the enemy, how to resist him and what gifts we will receive for persevering.  Let us stand together, for we were created for community and are called to build each other up so that we can fulfill God’s purposes for our lives.  Also, be sure to ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize at the very first thought that may lead you down the enemy’s tricky path of lies so that you don’t get stuck and become distracted from what God is leading you to do for Him.

Finally, do we need to fear the prowling lion?  No.  If you’ve experienced similar attacks and are feeling discouraged, let me leave you with this: Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage.  Psalm 27:14

Blessings,

Melissa