The Lion in the Shadows

I don't know how many of you are familiar with The Little Mermaid, but that was one of my favorite movies when I was little. For those of you who are not up to date on your mermaid trivia, this is all you need to know. For today at least.

Ursula knew about Ariel's forbidden love for Eric, a human. She used that to her advantage. She tempted Ariel with a deal, and did everything in her power to make Ariel fail, so that her father would come to her rescue. You see, that was what Ursula wanted all along. She wanted to take the power for herself. Ariel was just a stepping stone. Her action had negative consequences which affected others.

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

Ursula and the devil have some stuff in common. Their lust for power has overcome them. They will use and destroy anyone in their evil rampage for power. 

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, the devil was badgering Him continuously. After Jesus had defeated him, I suppose the devil said, "Well, I guess I'll just go." No! It says, "And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time." Luke 4:13

The devil was lying in wait, so that he could take down Jesus. He wanted Jesus to sin and die. He believed that would destroy God's plan of salvation and eternal life. Thus completing his revenge on God. 

Our response to temptations can have a huge impact. The devil wants to take us down. But it's more then that, he wants to kill our ripple effect as well. If he takes you or I out, then the people we are called to minister to for God are left hanging. Sin has it's own ripple affect; it never affects just us.

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you many be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

There is a hungry lion in the shadows. He is waiting for opportune times in our lives. Ways to strike back at the King. We can either be selfish and stubborn, looking at the world through the clouded eyes of self-service, or we can know that the devil is on the hunt for us. And when he dangles a big piece of I-want in front of your face, know that God has already provided the way out of that situation. Know it, and take it. Don't succumb to the prowling lion. Be ever watchful.