Alone in the Lion's Den
READ: 1 Peter 5:6-11
How often have you found yourself feeling alone, trapped in a situation with the potential to turn sinfully ugly? Perhaps you feel confident enough to go at it alone, and you try to use human intellect to rationalize it. You ask yourself questions like "What's the worst that could happen?" or, "It can't hurt just this one time." Well, the truth is, it could hurt a lot! These temptations that are placed in front of us everyday should not and cannot be faced alone. We should always trust in our loving God and his salvation for strength to overcome that evil lion, the devil.
It is no secret that we face temptations of all shapes and sizes every day, yet it seems as if it's not always our first move to bring all of these trials before God for help. Many people try to deal with them on their own; however, without the help of our loving God, it is a hopeless situation. It is like being thrown into a pit of lions, and left alone to try and defend yourself. 1 Peter gives the best advice for dealing with the devil and his temptations to avoid being consumed by them when he says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert...Resist him, standing firm in the faith."
While the world may place some value in the go-at-it-alone method, it is simply not a sound plan of attack, especially when dealing with spiritual matters. It is a recipe for disaster that will leave you confused and misguided.
Even if it seems like there is nobody on earth to talk to and share your problems with, we should always remember that God is always there to listen and help us with our problems. He is the best listener that there is, who also happens to give the best advice through his Word. Let us always remember to cast our cares upon God, because he promises we don't have to face life's lion's alone.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: What are some of the sources of temptation in my daily life? What does God say to me about these temptations? How can I avoid these temptations for day to day?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Ask God to be with you and guide you through any difficult times. Ask God to help you to avoid and overcome any temptations you might face. Thank God for his perfect plan of salvation which makes him accessible for our requests and problems.