“A few years ago,” Stan began, “my wife and I were blessed to be able to spend some time in Africa.”
“That’s one of my dream destinations,” I replied. “Did you enjoy it?”
“Yes,” Stan said, “it was a great trip. In addition to visiting some Christian ministries to see what they were doing, we got to visit some cities, as well as spend time in the bush on safari. Seeing the animals was very special. A real adventure.”
Continuing, Stan said, “I was reminded of that adventure this morning when I was reading in the apostle Peter’s first letter.”
“He didn’t go to Africa, did he?” I asked.
“I don’t think so,” Stan replied, “but he did write about a roaring lion. At least that is how he described Satan when he said that the devil prowls around seeking someone to devour.”
Continuing, he said, “That really reminded me of being in Africa when we would go out in the bush with the guide. The animals were magnificent, but what they did to one another was often a bit difficult to see.”
“In what way?” I asked.
“Well,” Stan replied, “just about every morning we would come upon a scene where some of the animals were either having breakfast, or they were being breakfast for some larger and stronger adversary.”
“Just as Peter described Satan that way,” Stan continued, “I always want to make certain that I am not devoured by Satan. He just loves to pull me down and make me an ineffective Christian.”
“Satan may not literally consume me,” Stan added, “but he can sure take a big bite out of my walk with God if I am not constantly vigilant. I have to watch out for his prowling and his desire to devour me.”
Stan continued, “I can say that I vastly prefer sitting here with you, my friend, having breakfast, rather than being breakfast for Satan and his minions.”
“So,” I replied, “how do you avoid being breakfast?”
“Peter described it as being ‘alert’,” Stan said. “Be alert to what Satan wants to do; be alert through total and continual surrender to the watchful presence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will guard me as I choose to allow.”
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Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for providing the Holy Spirit to live in me to help, counsel, and guide me in the way of being yours. Thank you, too, that He watches over me to protect me from the evil one, Satan who seeks to devour me and destroy my witness of being who and what you intend for your purposes. I want only to be yours in every aspect of my being. Please, Father, help me in following your lead to where you want me to be away from the devouring influence of the devil. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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Things to think (and journal) about:
1. What is your biggest take-away from this devotional?
2. What does this devotional say about God and about us as His people?
3. What is God saying to you to do personally?
4. Who can you share this with to make a difference?
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Comments, questions, suggestions, and the like can be addressed to The Storyteller at: waiting4thetrain@gmail.com.
Waiting for the Train 