STEADFAST IN THE FAITH. 1st Peter 5:9 We must be sober in view of our great salvation [1:13], the fact that the end is near [4:7], and in watchfulness because of our adversary [5:8]. A vigilant person is morally and spiritually alert at all times because the adversary will not rest until he devours the faithful, suffering pilgrim. Resisting the devil through prayer, guidance from the Holy Spirit through the word of God, and unceasing fellowship with God is how we can face the adversary.
Constant vigilance, the whole armor of God, and the assurance of the Father and the Son with us, along with the Holy Spirit in us, are effective when we claim and use these blessings for protection in spiritual warfare. The devil may sometimes cause suffering, but he can be resisted by those who are strong in faith and who serve the Lord.
Resisting the devil means withstanding him defensively rather than attacking him. Christians who suffer have no strength of their own to defeat the devil, but are firm in their faith and must depend on the Lord Jesus Christ, who is their strength and shield. We must keep our eyes of faith on our victorious Lord and our hearts “fixed” on Him when the temptation to compromise arises.
We are not in a unique situation, but are among many fellow Christians around the world who are committed to remaining steadfast in the faith that has been tried and proven right and powerful when the pressure is on to compromise. We need to focus our minds and hearts on the Savior and resist the devil. James wrote, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you; draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh unto you.” Since the beginning of humanity, believers in Christ have been attacked by the adversary, both openly and deceitfully. However, for those who know and love God, the Holy Spirit empowers us to resist the adversary.
Sufferers are not isolated but are part of a fellowship of suffering saints. Suffering is part of the Christian life. Living godly lives in an ungodly world makes believers in Christ stand out in the world system that rejects the Lord Jesus Christ. The Father and the Son guard us and are with us. The Holy Spirit teaches and guides us, even when the devil is permitted to bring suffering and persecution upon us. Our Sovereign God allows things to happen to us to “show the exceeding riches of His grace,” to testify to the power and impact of the Gospel, and to demonstrate to unbelievers that His love is unfailing toward those who love Him, even in the hardest circumstances.
Are you feeling vulnerable and alone, isolated and abandoned? Stop! Consider this as you undergo this test. All over the world, there are saints who seem stranded. But for His own reasons, God knows this trial is best. To give you some cheer, remember He is near, and in faith, trust Him to give you the Divine power to endure and bear the pressures that are there, for the God you serve is a strong tower.
Lift up the eyes of faith and see what is allowed to be. In God’s own way, it will bring glory to Him. Imagine that He, across the world’s seven seas, has people just like you standing in resistance to sin. What a glorious thought! After these battles are fought, faith triumphs, and the angels in heaven sing praise. Instead of useless suffering, watchers see what God has wrought, and the universal song is, “Jesus saves!” Stand fast, faithful saint; pray, watch, and wait, for the day of reckoning will someday come. Be strong to resist – God is still on His throne!
Strong faith, abiding hope, and unfailing love, as seen in suffering saints, are powerful testimonies God uses to show lost souls “The way back to God from the dark paths of sin, and the door that is open that they might go in.” This kind of testimony cannot be duplicated or discounted by anything the adversary can produce.
Suffering Christians are part of a worldwide brotherhood of believers who lift the banner of steadfast faith in whatever circumstances they face. In times of affliction, persecution, opposition, and pain, don’t faint under pressure. You are not alone. Resolve before the Lord to stand firm in the faith with your brothers and sisters in Christ, who form a strong wall of faith before a watching world, even when the devil attacks.