“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
In his book, Finishing Strong, Steve Farrar reminds us, “You’ve got an enemy who hates your guts and will do anything to keep you from finishing strong.” The enemy we combat is the devil. Peter depicts the enemy as a roaring lion on a mission to devour. Your identity in Christ has positioned you in opposition to the devil and his agenda. You are on the devil’s radar.
God has empowered you to walk in victory. God has equipped you with spiritual armor to combat the enemy. You are not powerless. You are not without hope and without help.
- “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Eph 6:10-11 (NIV)
- “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Eph 6:13 (NIV)
God wants you to finish strong. God wants you to cross the finish line of life with integrity. You cannot run this race without God’s provision. Your flesh is too weak. Your flesh craves impurity, compromise, and sin. The only way to finish strong is through daily surrender to the Lordship of Christ and through daily detection of the real enemy. Be self-controlled and alert! Put on the full armor of God! Stand!
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor