After checking with those who work with wild animals, I was told that there are three reasons lions roar:

 

  1. Lions roar when strange animals hunt in their territory.
  2. Lions sound a roar of triumph after they have captured their prey.
  3. Lions roar loudest when caught in a storm. They cannot tolerate the flashing lightning or the clashing thunder.

 

Peter concludes his first epistle by drawing a word picture of Satan as a lion constantly on the move, prowling around and roaring each time a careless Christian falls victim to his deception.

 

This is why Peter admonishes us to “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

 

Being alert is the antithesis of being in a drunken stupor. Peter is telling us that sin can numb your spiritual senses to a point where you are no longer spiritually sober. Your reaction time is affected, and you fall victim to Satan’s ploy.

 

In contrast, a person who is spiritually alert views life according to God’s principles and values. Spiritually, to be alert means to be aware of approaching danger and having the determination to avoid it.

 

When it comes to the enemy, be resolutely serious. Don’t be flippant about his intentions. His desire is clear: to destroy your life and witness for Christ. Therefore, stand firm in your faith. Commit yourself to prayer, and you will gain the victory!

 

Prayer: Lord, please forgive my sin—known and unknown. I pray I will be alert to the enemy and able to avoid his traps. Please grant me wisdom. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

“Be alert and of sober mind” (1 Peter 5:8).

Check out more from Dr. MIchael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.



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