Prowling Enemies
By Jen Wollner
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…”
1 Peter 5:8-9a (NIV)
By Jen Wollner
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…”
1 Peter 5:8-9a (NIV)
My children use to watch a kids’
science show on PBS called “Fetch.” Recently, the show featured a segment about
wolves that live in Yellowstone National Park. Along with many other facts, we
learned that when wolves hunt for food, they rarely attack a healthy animal,
but rather prowl around looking for a sick or old animal that is weak. By
patiently observing a pack of elk, for instance, the wolves find one that will
be an easy catch. And, what a feast they had!
Later that night, my husband and I were watching a “20/20” special report about money scammers who intentionally targeted vulnerable people, including the elderly. I immediately thought about the wolves we had learned about earlier in the day. Clearly, the scammers believed that certain people, in certain life circumstances, were more susceptible to falling into their trap. And they were right. They had stolen millions of dollars over several years.
This parallel between the animal world and the world of humans also carries into the spiritual realm. We learn from our verse for today that we have a spiritual enemy, Satan, who prowls around looking for someone to devour. He’s watching us. He knows our weaknesses. And, he’s patiently waiting for a vulnerable moment to attack…just like the wolves and the money scammers.
But, the verse doesn’t end there. Peter tells us to resist and stand firm in our faith. We are to be self-controlled and alert to the enemy’s schemes. He isn’t creative; he will tempt us and discourage us in mostly the same ways. He knows when we are most vulnerable and will take advantage of the situation. But Scripture is clear that we can protect ourselves with a healthy, powerful faith and an awareness of his tactics.
Let’s not turn a blind eye to Satan and the destruction he wants to perpetuate in our lives. Let’s be vigilant in strengthening our faith so that we aren’t helpless during his assaults and can resist and stand firm when they come.
Be on guard...the enemy is on the prowl!
GOING DEEPER:
1. In what area of your life are you most at risk of succumbing to the damaging work of the enemy?
2. Make a plan for how you will strengthen your faith and resist his next attack (see Jesus’ example in Matthew 4 for ideas).
FURTHER READING:
Job 1:7; Matthew 4:1-11
Later that night, my husband and I were watching a “20/20” special report about money scammers who intentionally targeted vulnerable people, including the elderly. I immediately thought about the wolves we had learned about earlier in the day. Clearly, the scammers believed that certain people, in certain life circumstances, were more susceptible to falling into their trap. And they were right. They had stolen millions of dollars over several years.
This parallel between the animal world and the world of humans also carries into the spiritual realm. We learn from our verse for today that we have a spiritual enemy, Satan, who prowls around looking for someone to devour. He’s watching us. He knows our weaknesses. And, he’s patiently waiting for a vulnerable moment to attack…just like the wolves and the money scammers.
But, the verse doesn’t end there. Peter tells us to resist and stand firm in our faith. We are to be self-controlled and alert to the enemy’s schemes. He isn’t creative; he will tempt us and discourage us in mostly the same ways. He knows when we are most vulnerable and will take advantage of the situation. But Scripture is clear that we can protect ourselves with a healthy, powerful faith and an awareness of his tactics.
Let’s not turn a blind eye to Satan and the destruction he wants to perpetuate in our lives. Let’s be vigilant in strengthening our faith so that we aren’t helpless during his assaults and can resist and stand firm when they come.
Be on guard...the enemy is on the prowl!
GOING DEEPER:
1. In what area of your life are you most at risk of succumbing to the damaging work of the enemy?
2. Make a plan for how you will strengthen your faith and resist his next attack (see Jesus’ example in Matthew 4 for ideas).
FURTHER READING:
Job 1:7; Matthew 4:1-11
Jen
and her husband are busily parenting three elementary-aged children. She serves
on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.
