Be a Lion Tamer

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

1 Peter 5:8-9

 

I have the amazing privilege of being a pastor at Crossroads Community Church in Vancouver, WA. We just had our annual Vacation Bible School event, where the children learned all about the armor of God. It got me thinking that adults need to be reminded about the fight against our true enemy.  

 

But what are some practical ways we can stand against his attacks in our everyday lives?

 

I’m so glad you asked!

 

Peter gives us three thoughts to guide us in taming the roaring lion seeking to devour our souls:

 

1. “Be sober-minded; be watchful.” – Your enemy wants to sneak up on you, just as a lion sneaks up on its dinner. You have to intentionally open your eyes to see that you are under attack. The devil will do anything he can to distract you from the Lord. You’ll often find him lurking in your confusion and doubt. The role of a lion tamer is to distract the lion from attacking, but the tamer has to see the lion coming in the first place.
   • • As you see his attack, turn your eyes directly toward Jesus to find clarity and courage.

 

1. “Resist him, firm in your faith.” – This is the lion taming part. Stand firm in knowing that you serve a God whose roar is much louder than the devil’s silly growl. You have been given authority to tread over the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19), so grab your lion tamer chair and keep him away from your soul. 
   • • Speak Scripture out loud. 
     • Speak the name of Jesus. 
     • Bring others into your situation to pray with you.

 

1. “[Know] that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” – One of the tactics of the enemy is to make you feel alone. The problem with this attack is that it’s flawed. We believe in an omnipresent God, who is always with us. Even when you are physically alone in this world, you are not actually alone. The enemy can also make you feel alone by drawing you into yourself through self-absorption or entitlement. It’s important to remember that others are experiencing great pain in their lives as well. Choosing to serve others in the midst of your own suffering will not just tame the lion, but will cause him to flee as you allow God’s presence to be a brightly shining beacon in your life. 

• • • Believe you’re not alone and receive it at a heart level. Repeat it to yourself if you’re struggling to see God in the moment of an attack.
    • Selflessly lay down your burdens to help carry someone else’s load. 

 

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and the enemy won’t stand a chance. When it feels like your lion-tamer chair has broken, let the Lord send forth a mighty roar!