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

The endangered Kakapo Bird is a flightless parrot from New Zealand and is cited as one of the least intelligent birds. Sometimes they will climb a tree and try to parachute down, not understanding their limitations. While mating only every 2-5 years, the booming sounds they make to attract a female will sometimes confuse her and the deed is not done. Some males will even mistake rocks, trees, or a researcher’s head as a potential mate! Unfortunately, when faced with a predator he will freeze, thinking to blend in with the moss behind him. Unfortunately, he stinks and it is his odor that will lead to his demise!

Today’s verse warns that we have a predator as well. The devil, like a roaring hungry lion, is looking for someone to devour. Our defense is to be watchful and alert, not underestimating the enemy. We are also to be sober, not drunk or distracted by the world and its values. Being sober is being prepared, self-controlled and able to stay calm. When the Lord helps us to do this we can follow the command that follows, to resist the devil and stand firm in the faith, despite whatever suffering we experience.(vs 9)

Standing firm in the faith is probably the hardest position to hold when facing suffering. The devil is a liar saying that God doesn’t really care or I wouldn’t be hurting. And yet Peter affirms in verse 8 that He cares for me. Why is it that I think I should somehow be spared any kind of suffering just because I am a Christian? Yet God does promise that whatever I experience here is light and momentary compared to the glorious future that awaits! (II Cor. 4:17-18) I am not in Paradise yet.

Lord, keep me alert and standing firm in the faith.