“Be self controlled and alert, our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” 1 Peter 5:8
Devour indeed! We must learn to recognize when the enemy is on the prowl, and guard ourselves against his attack. Think of the some of the enemy’s most successful victories, and you’ll see that one of his most effective tools is isolation. He knows the power of dividing and conquering – and will use it most effectively if we allow him.
Consider Samson and Delilah as an example.
“Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. The rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, “See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him so we may tie him up and subdue him. Each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.” Judges 16:4-5
One would wonder why Samson gave up his secret about his hair, right? No matter how many times Samson lied to her before, Delilah was relentless and never ceased asking him. They, no doubt, spent many hours alone together. She took advantage of that time and eventually wore him down.
“With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it.” Judges 16:16 NIV
Likewise, the enemy’s attacks never cease- ever!
Samson let his guard down with Delilah. Isolated and alone with her, he succumbed to the attack and was taken by the Philistines.
How many others have given into the attack, while isolated or alone? David on the rooftop with Bathsheba, Eve in the garden, Amnon in his lust over Tamar. All were isolated while dealing with the enemy, and as result became a victim of his treachery! This can happen to anyone of us.
It is written:
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
God calls for us to fellowship with Him, and to fellowship with each other. He recognizes the enemy’s treachery, and helps to prepare us for it if we listen to His word!
Special thanks for this submission by guest blogger – Barnabas
By keeping the truth clear and simple, you are addressing deep, personal needs of many readers. It is so easy to get into theological discussions that leave hungry persons unfeed. That may be an excuse for Christians to move away from seeking depth in their personal lives as depth seems so difficult and off putting.
Thank you keeping this so simple that “a wayfaring man, ‘tho a fool, ” will not get lost.