Some days are good. Some days aren’t. I can’t really say they are bad, but some days are just more difficult than others.

People, attitudes, rushing from one place to another, and a myriad of other things can get in our way of having a good day. Especially when we have something important to do.

We may lose confidence in ourselves. We may not feel up to doing the important thing. We may feel insecure. And as we combine all these things, we suddenly don’t want to do what God wants us to do.

You see, the evil one is a busy guy. His agenda is to trip us up. As we are walking down the smooth path of life, the devil is there to throw obstacles in our way. Big or small, the size doesn’t matter. If it’s on the path, we just might stumble.

Peter warned us of the evil one’s schemes in 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV). Peter knew what the devil was capable of and how he worked. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

This verse is almost frightening. No one wants to be devoured by a prowling lion. That’s the exact reason Peter gives other advice to go along with this bit. Be self-controlled. Be alert. As we have control of our emotions and our bodies, we have a better chance of spotting the lion before it’s too late. The same can be said of being alert.

But Peter goes on in this passage to share some more advice. “Resist him (the devil), standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering.” (1 Peter 5:9 – NIV)

Resist him. The problem with this advice is that the devil changes his tactics. He tempts us with bigger and brighter things. He knows where we are weakest and he attacks us there. But still, we must resist him.

Now my issues today may not be someone else’s exact issues, but I know I am not in the boat alone. The evil one is attacking all over the world and I find strength in knowing there are other Christians who are resisting the devil’s temptations. I can do it as well.

Now here’s the good news. Peter then continues with an assurance that I find great comfort in knowing. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10 – NIV)

God is with me through it all. But He is doing more than just being with me. He is restoring me. He is making me strong. He is making me firm. He is making me steadfast. I am only able to get through this life with God on my side.

It’s through my faith in God and His grace, strength, love, and forgiveness that I can wake up each day and say, “Good morning Lord! Let’s do it!”

And as the devil is prowling around looking for someone to devour, God isn’t sitting idly by and watching. 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NIV) assures me, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

If this verse isn’t an encouragement to you today, I don’t know what else I could share with you. God is searching for those who need strength. If that is you today, He is looking and He will provide.

But we also see from this verse that He doesn’t just hand it out to anyone. He is looking for those who are committed to Him. Maybe that’s where we need to start today.

As I read through these passages, I’m able to face today with all its troubles and temptations, knowing that I am not in the day alone. God is right beside me. Loving me and comforting me along the way. I pray that you can say the same.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna