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“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8 (ESV)

Out my kitchen window, I watched her staring, fixed and motionless. Her head was perfectly perched. I couldn’t quite figure it out. Mesmerized, this grey kitty had never been so still. And then if on cue, she slumped down and slithered around my bush – her target was a tiny bird who barely escaped her grasp.

Needless to say, this picture while ever so true, set my mind to racing. This strategic prowling and fixed gaze so mimics exactly how Satan operates. Watching and waiting for just the perfect time to devour us, he creeps up on us when we least expect it.

The sweet little bird in the bush was totally clueless to the impending danger lurking around the corner. And haven’t we all found ourselves there – unaware our enemy, Satan, is strategically setting us up for failure. We buy into his lies. We entertain his compromises. We settle for less. We lower our standards. We allow counterfeits to steal away our focus. The list is limitless. A distracted and undisciplined mind never serves us well, and Satan loves to watch us self-destruct.

Temptation will always rise to the surface disguised as “it’s really not that bad” or “everyone else is doing it.” The holidays are filled with moments when Satan can discredit and divide families and friends. The hectic schedule. The unperfect gift. The wounded heart forgotten. The wayward child pulling parents apart. The office party we should have avoided. The conversation which left us discouraged, defeated and alone. The response we desperately long to reverse.

As the bird in the bush confidently flew to higher ground, I was reminded we too need to flee the presence of our enemy and keep our eyes focused on God. He has providentially given us everything we need to triumph over Satan. We are mighty conquerors through Christ Jesus; there’s no room for wimpy choices or lame excuses. We are equipped, dressed and positioned for victory clothed in the mighty armor of our God. (Ephesians 6:10-20).

Preparation + awareness will equip us for the attacks of our enemy. Like a moving target, Satan seeks to kill, steal and destroy us, but Christ came so we may have the abundant life. Choose today to resist and God promises he (Satan) will leave. Best solution ever to trust in His battle plan rather than our own.

“Father, You are fully aware of Satan’s game plan – teach us to cling to Your truth and boldly confront His lies.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life