Although he may sometimes use external assaults on our lives to affect our bodies, finances or even our relationships, the devil’s most successful attacks often involve distractions. They can be as simple as a cell phone which monopolizes our time away from the Word of God, or as complicated as our job, friends and sometimes even family.
The Apostle Peter said, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)
Called to Sober Thinking
To be sober-minded is to be clearly focused and alert. The term used for “adversary” literally refers to an opponent in a lawsuit. This is no ordinary opponent. He is the devil — literally, one who is a slanderer and accuser. Hence the need to stay focused.
The word “devour” means to consume or eat up greedily. When distractions consume us, our focus is redirected from God to earthly difficulties, which often lead our minds to our fears and doubts. As a result, we worry and — worst of all — forget the power of our God. The devil knows when this happens, he can eat us up.
Equipped to Overcome
We are all subject to distractions. Because our God is aware of their danger, He has provided us with the means to overcome. Peter shared that means of overcoming is to “Resist [the devil], firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
Other believers are experiencing the same kinds of suffering or distractions as we are. But here is the great news: The same God who began the work of changing us into His Son’s image will complete it, in spite of these difficulties.
Peter continued, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10)
Prepared for Growth
Peter chose his words carefully. The original word the ESV translates as “restore” is translated as “perfect” in the KJV, which means to make adequate or sufficient for something. God wants to perfect us during the testing process of our distractions.
He also wants to confirm us. Well now, what does that mean? It means to cause someone to become stronger and steadier. Our Heavenly Father wants to strengthen us.
The word “strengthen” means to cause one to become more capable and less weak. All of this serves to establish us in the faith. When surgeons use their scalpels, they cause pain. However, in the aftermath of the surgical procedure, healing takes place and the part of the body that received the surgery becomes physically stronger. When God establishes us, He uses the pain of our distractions to form us into the image of His Son! When we refocus on the things of God, He not only brings us through the surgery, but He also reminds us how much He cares for us!
Article by Dr. L.W. Edwards
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