“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” 1 Peter? ?5:8-9? ?NLT??
In this chapter, Peter was reminding us to take care of God’s flock as it was entrusted to us. It is a call to humble ourselves in serving God because He opposed the proud and yet He gives grace to the humble. Peter also impressed in my heart that I have to submit to the elders as it shows humility in all ways. However, in leading and managing God’s flock, I have to stay alert! – for the devil might be lurking and just waiting behind the bushes for the perfect time to pounce.
I can fully relate on 1 Peter 5:8-9 because I believe God is preparing my heart to lead three or more ladies not just as a Faci but as their DGroup leader. They have been encouraging and praying for me to lead them and I felt anxious thinking about it because First, I needed to always check my motives if it is aligned with God’s plans. Second, I know it entails deeper commitment and financial support and Third, “what’s in it for me?” Again, I need to have constant alignment with God and it is through my Spiritual Disciplines.
Lifting all my cares to God and I am trusting that He will provide for everything I will be needing in order to glorify His name. I admit that I am weak against the forces of evil and there is a natural-born evilness inside of me but I know it should not stop me from serving Him. There are times that I would feel discouraged because I have never finished the Bible yet and there might be questions I couldn’t answer. I tend to overthink on things I know I shouldn’t. As leaders or called to lead, we are more susceptible to sin because the devil wants an easier way to glory; those who already have power, influence, and reputation, unlike Jesus who chooses broken people, sinners, and those who have a crippled reputation. Their brokenness and marred reputation are who God is seeking because their transformation points directly to His Glory. The spiritual attacks on leaders are serious and we are required to pray more in order to know what can be done in the battlefield. Just like now as I am typing this, I am fighting against my droopy and sleepy eyes. I know I needed practice to make it a habit. I am blessed to be surrounded by believers and the verse above impressed on my heart that if I will make Jesus as my rock I can “avoid” the stumble. I am blessed to know believers and how God is working in their lives; I just can’t help it but admire the humility and selflessness as the fruits they are producing.
Dear Lord, Your sovereignty is above the highest of the high and You are the only one who can make all things possible. I pray, Father God, to always remind me of your plans. I know that there is a promise in everything you say and I lift to you everything that holds me back from obeying wholeheartedly. Forgive me Lord for delaying always but I know I can never run away from you because you always pursue my heart. Lord, I pray that you may bless me with wisdom, renewal of strength, and support through the Holy Spirit that if it is Your Will, then Thy Will Be Done. This I pray to the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
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