Be vigilant

Did you know that there is one who is roaming around trying to take you off course and infiltrate your thought life?

Yes, Peter reminds us of this truth ....

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. 1 Peter 5:8 AMP

On Sunday night Victoria and I were in Sydney and took the opportunity to go to a church nearby where we were staying. The service was great and I felt during the sermon that God was confirming a lot of what He has been talking to me about over the past couple of months. 

At the end of the sermon there was a video clip about an upcoming conference. A woman was giving a testimony of her past year. She starting talking about losing her Dad, saying something about him losing his fight for life. 

'Okay', I thought to myself, 'What is coming next?' And sure enough, the words, 'brain tumour' came out.

Here, next to me, was this beautiful little girl who just moments before had stood praising God, half listening to a sermon about the protective hand of God while playing on her iPad, excited about the State swimming competition the next day, now being reminded of what she lived with and overcame every day, in Jesus Name. 

It certainly played on my mind as the service finished and we walked out of the church. I guess it played on her mind too, as we chatted a bit and then she asked me when her next scan was. 

From that moment on it has been a case of consciously taking those words we heard and doing exactly what Peter said in the previous verse..

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about your watchfully. 1 Peter 5:7 AMP

And taking those thoughts captive ...

And we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 2 Corinthians 10:5 AMP

So yesterday, when walking with Victoria to the marshalling area, I found myself reminding her that she is 'more than a conqueror' not only in swimming but in all areas of her life.

Question for today, is there an area in your life that victory is being questioned by that voice that roams around trying to cause havoc and take you off course? If yes, then let's choose to do what Peter said, Stand, and continue to stand in Jesus Name.

Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset - rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world. After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favour], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen and settle you. To Him be the dominion (power, authority, rule) forever and ever. Amen (so be it). 1 Peter 5:9-11 AMP