“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8)
The enemy lets up on no one. The only thing that causes him to back away (albeit temporarily) is steadfast resistance in the faith. (1 Pet. 5:9) He will wear you out, or you will wear him out. The devil tempted Jesus for forty days in the wilderness, and then tempted Him three more times for good measure. When he couldn’t get anywhere he departed for a season. (Luke 4:13)
There is never a time on this earth to think we are “out of the woods” when it comes to our adversary’s design on devouring us. He is a persistent, stubborn foe who will bide his time, waiting for the opportune time to snare and overtake us. We cannot afford to “relax,” thinking we are past falling into this or that sin. We must keep watch until we are home on heaven’s shores.
God’s grace and power in Jesus Christ is more than enough to keep us in this present evil world, but not without our continual vigilance.
Cross the finish line. Then let down your guard.