"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." - 1 Peter 5:8-9
Elijah complained in 1 Kings 19:14, "I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” To this the Lord responded in verse 18 with, "Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him." In the face of spiritual warfare even pastors may feel alone in the battle, but we will find new courage when we remember that there are others who are fighting with us. We're strengthened by the Lord and inspired by the fellowship of suffering.
As Peter wrote to the early church under severe persecution, he charged them to resist the devil and stand firm, because there were others in the fight as well. To be encouraged to remain steadfast, Peter reminded them that they were not alone in the battle. Just as with Elijah of old, there were others who were suffering persecution but were remaining true to their faith and calling. There was strength in Lord and inspiration in the fellowship of suffering.
Shepherds of the flock will always face lions, and tigers, and bears... Oh, My!! The spiritual warfare will be difficult and the pressure will be great, but we are never alone in the battle. Be steadfast my pastor friend, resist the devil and stand firm in your faith and care for your flock. Take time to remember, there is strength in Lord and inspiration in the fellowship of suffering.
~ PJVS
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