I Peter 5:8‭-‬9 NKJV “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like A ROARING LION, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ever heard a lion roar up close? I once heard a tiger growl a few feet away from me in a cage. It felt like I was in the back seat of a car pumping loud music with lots of bass that went through my whole body. Only this felt very scary. And the tiger didn’t even roar he just growled. I can only imagine what a lions roar sounds like.

“The devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Notice he SEEKS whom he may devour because he cannot devour everyone, only those who fall for his fear trap. Spewing out fear at every opportunity; at the job, through the media, at school, etcetera Satan watches to see who will take the bait, who will become gripped with fear like a deer in headlights. Once the Devil has you there the rest is easy. No wonder Jesus often told his disciples, ‘Do not be afraid only have faith.’ Yes, fear immobilizes a person just like a deer in headlights. He/she is stuck and can’t move. But it’s opposite for those who put faith in God: the deer can move. He/she has power to take that leap of faith out of harms way.

HOW SATAN ROARS

There are times when people will threaten you either outright or subtly. Either way the purpose is the same; to control you with fear. This is really the devil roaring through his children:

Luke 12:4-5 NIV “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. [5] But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”

Proverbs 29:25 NLT “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.”

RESIST HIM

Some of Jesus’ apostles were severely beaten by the religious authorities for preaching about Him and were ordered to never speak his name. (Acts 5:40)

Acts 5:41-42 NLT “The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. [42] And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.” “

The apostles were not frightened by Satan’s roars, claws, and teeth at the hands of his false religious leaders. They resisted the Devil rejoicing that they had been beaten for the name of Jesus Christ and kept preaching everyday that, “Jesus is the Messiah!” Now that’s how you resist the Devil.😊
‬‬‬
IN CONCLUSION

I could write a book on this subject but in conclusion I’d like to say don’t be bullied by anyone. God did not give us a spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7) When scary situations arise and we hold firm we get to see how powerful our Father is. No one can do us anything that God does not allow. May this next passage give you strong confidence whatever your circumstances:

Joshua 1:9 NKJV “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Please share this with a friend