1 Peter 5:8-9 (KJV) 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Just in case you haven’t noticed, there’s an enemy out there who is trying every way he can to devour you by stealing, killing and destroying you. But God has given us every tool and weapon to resist him and be victorious in this life. However, it’s up to us if we get devoured. What? How can that be? Read on.
God calls the strategies of the devil wiles. These are the tricks, schemes, and deception of the enemy to dupe us and cause us ruin. But God tells us that we are not to be ignorant of his wiles. Then He tells to resist him, which means to actively stand against his wiles. So what are these wiles?
Let’s look at II Cor. 10:4-5
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (KJV) 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Wiles have to do with all those imaginations, thoughts, and suggestions that come against you and are totally contrary to the Word of God. That’s how you know those thoughts are not from God because they don’t line up with the Word of God. But, you ask, what if I don’t know enough of God’s Word to discern whether or not the thoughts and suggestions and imaginations are from the devil or God? Good question.
You need to purpose in your heart to get into the Word of God and learn what He has already said. But in the meantime, while you’re still learning, get hooked up with a seasoned saint of God who can mentor you and help you. Also, you must learn and practice listening to your re-born spirit. Do you have peace about what concerns you? If not, put it on the shelf.
It’s imperative, dear brothers and sisters, to learn to listen to the witness in your spirit and that still small voice that tells you if something is right or wrong. However, this takes time and effort and practice, practice, practice. But it is so-o-o worth it to know that you’re hearing from God and on the right path.
God tells us to actively resist the devil and he will flee. He didn’t tell us to ask Him to do it. He told us to do it and the devil would flee from us!
Be the ones whom the devil “may not” devour!
John 10:10 (KJV) 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Ephesians 4:27 (KJV) 27 Neither give place to the devil.
2 Corinthians 2:11 (KJV) 11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Ephesians 6:11 (KJV) 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP) 5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
Jeremiah 10:23 (KJV) 23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
— Pamela
Pamela Moyle Ministries 