1 Peter 5:9 Resist him [the devil], standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (NIV)
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Bullies can be found everywhere, from the school playground to the workplace. They achieve their wicked purposes by inducing fear, and expect people to cower away humiliated. Facing up to a bully is the best way to make him or her back down. The threats and whispers which surround these people, and their sycophantic entourage, demand that people of courage should expose them. It is the same problem with the devil. The more he exercises spiritual terrorism with lies and threats, the more he thinks that he can get away with it.
Peter now recommends resistance. Refuse to accept Satan's lies: they do not contain anything you need to act upon, or be frightened by. But we can only resist the devil if we are secure in Jesus who is far greater than Satan; in the same way that Jesus was not fazed by His wilderness encounter with him, because of the utter confidence that He was loved and appointed by his Heavenly Father. 'Standing firm in the faith' does not mean being perfect, but being confident of the love, mercy and grace of the Lord, as described in the Bible. And don't forget that God has provided you with all the armour you need - as long as you stand and face down the bullying lies of Satan (cf Eph 6:10-20).
But it also helps to know that you are not the only one who is a target of Satan. Today, more people around the world are being persecuted because they believe in Jesus than ever before. So be encouraged that you are not alone - many others around the world today also consider it worthwhile to stand up for Jesus. But you may also need the encouragement that it is right to resist the powers of darkness; that is why Peter is writing. We resist by refusing to accept his lies as truth, and by challenging erroneous thoughts with God's Word. As we praise God we refuse to honour Satan; and as we obey God we dethrone the devil. Dare to resist Satan. After all your 'big brother' is Jesus, and He is the only person Satan will run away from!
Prayer: Lord of power and might. Thank you for your help as we stand firm in the face of the attacks of the devil. Strengthen us to dare to resist his taunts, attacks and sweet temptations. I also pray for my brothers and sisters around the world to are suffering today because they love Jesus. Please sustain them in their need and may their example encourage me to stand firm for you and against Satan. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
