by Richelle Hecker

Guard Your Faith

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

In my suburban neighborhood, there are reports of a mountain lion roaming our streets and even near the local elementary school. People have shared pictures of the lion hidden in bushes as well as brashly approaching front porches. The sightings are completely unexpected since our neighborhood is quite far from the mountains. That fact does not seem to concern this lion wandering through our area. As a result, we have to be extra diligent with our children and small pets.

I have lived in many places, yet being wary of lions and their hunting habits was never an issue before. I know of a young man who as a very young refugee fleeing Congo with his family experienced a much more fearful situation. Each night the leaders of their group ensured everyone bedded down on their backs in the tall grass. They could hear the roaring of lions around them in the dark. He remembers that each night they would lose one or two people to the ravenous lions. This man has a far better understanding of what Peter meant when he said,

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
1 Peter 5:8 New International Version

In this verse, Peter is instructing God’s people to be aware of the devil’s schemes in order to keep from being led astray. Lions are sneaky and dangerous hunters that quietly separate their prey from the flock before they destroy them. Satan uses the same tactics to try and destroy the hearts and lives of God’s people. He quietly leads them astray with his lies, separates them from the flock, and proceeds to devour them in ways unimaginable.

Just like my neighborhood, many of us are surprised by the attacks that hit their homes and churches. It is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security. However, God reminds His people to remain diligent in faith against the schemes of the Devil. Along with this message we have encouraging news: we are not alone in our fight against Satan. God Himself promises to strengthen, perfect, and establish us in our faith.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO