Like a Roaring Lion

From Crushing Complacency by Bethany Gray – Chapter 1: Understanding Complacency (pp. 10–11)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

Did you notice the word like? The devil walks about LIKE a roaring lion. He is not the lion – he is an imitator and a pretender.

Here is something interesting about lions. When a male lion grows old and weak and has lost his teeth and his strength, roaring may be the final hunting tactic he has left. He can no longer hunt or defend himself, so he walks around roaring, trying to look powerful enough to keep his enemies out of his territory. It's a bluff.

That is exactly what the enemy does. He roars to intimidate you, to instill fear, and to make you retreat from the territory God has given you. His roar is a bluff to those who know who they serve – but he can still devour the Believer who is asleep at their post. That is why complacency is so dangerous!

Scripture calls us to be sober-minded and vigilant. The question is not whether the enemy is seeking; the question is whether you are alert enough to resist him. Are you aware of your surroundings? Are you discerning about who is influencing you? What enemies may be hiding in plain sight?

Beloved, the enemy may roar, but we serve a God with an even mightier sound. Jesus IS the Lion of the Tribe of Judah! He has already won the victory, and death is defeated – hallelujah! Stay awake, stay alert, and stand firm in the authority of the One who reigns forever.

Where has the enemy's roar caused you to retreat from territory God has given you?