"Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."I Peter 5.8
Our pastor asked an interesting question one Sunday in church. He asked, "What do you do when you hear the lion roar?" It's one of those questions which stuck with me all day long.
When Satan begins to roar in your life, you should recognize it as him. The attacks may come through finances, health, family, employers, even, at times, church members. But you still recognize the sound of the enemy of your
soul behind them. Usually, facing Satan produces some anxiety, otherwise known as fear.
Now, fear isn't all bad. It heightens our awareness of danger so that we can be on our guard or "vigilant" as Peter says here. However, our response to fear can be devastating. Cognitive psychologists say there are four possible responses to fear. The four-F's of fear I call them.
The first is Flee. We flee the dangerous situation. Obviously, if I'm crossing the street and an 18-wheeler is barreling down on me, I'm going to flee. But in the spiritual realm this is not the best choice. To many of us have been running from Satan. And when he knows he's got you on the run, he'll keep hounding you until he neutralizes your work for God.
The Second is Freeze. They say that if you face a dangerous animal staying very still is your best chance for survival. However, in facing the evil forces of this world system, it is not. Some Christians face trouble in their lives and their ministry comes to a dead halt. No, they aren't falling away, but they aren't marching onward either. They are simply paralyzed with fear.
The Third is Faint. Just pass out and hope for the best. Some Christians have fainted in their spiritual battles. They have fallen asleep. They are insensible to the glories of God or his requirements.They have lost spiritual consciousness.
The final response is the one we need to adopt when facing a threat from the enemy. Its FIGHT! If Satan has been chasing you, maybe it's time to turn around and start chasing him. If your car breaks down and you can't get to church, don't pout about it. Put some praise music on the stereo, get on your knees and pray through the time of the church service for souls to be saved. If you loose your job, while you're looking for a new one, volunteer your time to work around the church. In other words, when Satan throws something at you to keep you from advancing the kingdom, redouble your efforts for Christ.
I can't say I've always turned and wrestled with the lion when he has roared, but as each year goes by, this old warrior has begun to run to the battle more often, because only those on the front lines see the victory first.
Lord, fill me anew with your boldness as I face my adversary. Give me courage and strength and determination to win the battle. Amen
Our pastor asked an interesting question one Sunday in church. He asked, "What do you do when you hear the lion roar?" It's one of those questions which stuck with me all day long.
When Satan begins to roar in your life, you should recognize it as him. The attacks may come through finances, health, family, employers, even, at times, church members. But you still recognize the sound of the enemy of your
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| Photo by Tambako |
Now, fear isn't all bad. It heightens our awareness of danger so that we can be on our guard or "vigilant" as Peter says here. However, our response to fear can be devastating. Cognitive psychologists say there are four possible responses to fear. The four-F's of fear I call them.
The first is Flee. We flee the dangerous situation. Obviously, if I'm crossing the street and an 18-wheeler is barreling down on me, I'm going to flee. But in the spiritual realm this is not the best choice. To many of us have been running from Satan. And when he knows he's got you on the run, he'll keep hounding you until he neutralizes your work for God.
The Second is Freeze. They say that if you face a dangerous animal staying very still is your best chance for survival. However, in facing the evil forces of this world system, it is not. Some Christians face trouble in their lives and their ministry comes to a dead halt. No, they aren't falling away, but they aren't marching onward either. They are simply paralyzed with fear.
The Third is Faint. Just pass out and hope for the best. Some Christians have fainted in their spiritual battles. They have fallen asleep. They are insensible to the glories of God or his requirements.They have lost spiritual consciousness.
The final response is the one we need to adopt when facing a threat from the enemy. Its FIGHT! If Satan has been chasing you, maybe it's time to turn around and start chasing him. If your car breaks down and you can't get to church, don't pout about it. Put some praise music on the stereo, get on your knees and pray through the time of the church service for souls to be saved. If you loose your job, while you're looking for a new one, volunteer your time to work around the church. In other words, when Satan throws something at you to keep you from advancing the kingdom, redouble your efforts for Christ.
I can't say I've always turned and wrestled with the lion when he has roared, but as each year goes by, this old warrior has begun to run to the battle more often, because only those on the front lines see the victory first.
Lord, fill me anew with your boldness as I face my adversary. Give me courage and strength and determination to win the battle. Amen
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