Know your opponent

1 Peter 5:8 NLT

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.  he prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

My son and I were having a conversation not too long ago.  We were talking about our day and he shared with me how he has improved in certain areas in sports.  He was telling me how awesome he performed that day.  He explained how as he guarded his opponent in practice that he was more confident and how this changed the game for him.  Yet, he did not boast as all of this was followed by, “but I still missed him a couple of times; he got passed me.” 

Before I could give my speech of comfort he continued; “so afterwards I went to him (the team mate he was guarding) and I asked him how do I stop you every time?  On the times I missed you, where did I fail?  How did you get by me and how can I prevent that from happening on the field?”

Again, before I could give my parent-ly “That’s awesome!” or “How wise of you!”  My son said; “You see I can do that with him, because even though when we’re on the field we’re opposing each other, at the end of practice he is still my team mate.  He will tell me what I need to know because he understands this also and our goal as a team is to help each other and to win.  However, the next time the guy across from me on the line won’t be my friend, he is my enemy and will be trying his best to prevent us from winning.  He will never tell me what I need to know to stop him, so I just have to learn ahead of time and be ready.”

Football is much like life and the battle for our souls.  The enemy is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  How many of you will walk calmly around a roaring lion as if you are passing by a dog or cat on the street?  Exactly!  You wouldn’t.  You would run for the hills.  You’d make sure your children and family members are aware of this and keep them from coming out into the street where this lion is.  I believe that you would do everything in your power to ensure that you and your family survivied. 

Yet, you don’t study your opponent.  You haven’t read your word, or even replayed the footage in your head that proves that your enemy is a deceiver.  So, you raise up to fight him with no armor on and no sword (word of GOD).  People of GOD, this is not a game!  You cannot sit down and watch the lion roam freely.  he will devour you, your family and everything you love if you are not always watchful and prepared.

Don’t leave your family outside in the street with the lion.  Wake up early!  Pray the word over your loved ones before they even awake in the morning.  Pray continuously and be prepared!

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