It won't always be like this: You will turn a corner
This devotion was used by permission from Dianna Hobbs’ “Your Daily Cup of Inspiration.” For more great encouragement like this, visit her official blog here.
I think it’s pretty silly now, but when I was much younger, I bought into society’s superstition about Friday the 13th and believed it was an unlucky and dark day. The horror film franchise of the same name didn’t help.
The first time I watched Friday the 13th and became acquainted with the made-up villain, Jason the killer, I was glued to the screen, horrified. I was sure the masked assailant would emerge from my closet, enter my darkened room and slash me to itty bitty pieces.
So ridiculous, I know.
With my eyes fixated on the closet door, I would wait, gripped by terror. Could this be the night that Jason came to get me?
It’s laughable now, but I used to pull my sheet and blanket over my head, as if a sharp, pointed blade could not easily slice through thin fabric if a murderous psycho ever did invade my home. As irrational as it was, I somehow felt safer under the covers, trembling, breathing rapidly, sweating and listening for Jason’s feet. The next morning, I would awaken with no fear; I was only overcome by dread at night.
This past Friday was Friday the 13th, and though I no longer fear that day, I am aware that we do have a real enemy. Unlike Jason, the phony psycho in a goaltender mask, Satan is a spirit with a diabolical agenda. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us that he is constantly on the prowl, like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. This is why we are to be vigilant, which is the Greek word grégoreó that means to watch, pay attention, be cautious and alert, lest we be ensnared by our adversary.
Watch and be vigilant. This is exactly what Jesus wanted the disciples to do when He was at Gethsemane agonizing over His forthcoming crucifixion. The Savior took three men from His inner circle with Him—Peter and the two sons of Zebedee—and told them to watch with Him (Matthew 26:38). As Jesus went to pray, the men fell asleep. Upon returning and finding them slumbering, Jesus asked Peter, “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” And then Jesus said, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
The Lord knew that His followers’ faith would be challenged, and they would suffer persecution in the coming days when He died a criminal’s death to redeem mankind. That’s why He told them to watch, and He used the exact same Greek word grégoreó that Peter the Apostle used in 1 Peter 5:8, so when temptation came, they would have power to withstand it and overcome.
“Stay spiritually anchored. Be rooted and grounded in Christ. That way, when the enemy comes and the storm rises, you’ll yet be victorious!”
Even though we know Peter failed after Jesus was seized, and he denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-62), we eventually see him make a transition. He spiritually matured and had a hand in establishing the early church and advancing Jesus’ ministry after the Messiah ascended back to Heaven. Then, in 1 Peter 5:8— the Scripture we’ve been discussing in today’s devotion—Peter shared the same message Jesus shared at Gethsemane as Peter encouraged the various churches in Asia Minor that were suffering religious persecution.
What a powerful full-circle moment for Peter, right? After being tried in the fire of affliction around the time of Jesus’ crucifixion and beyond, Peter knew how important it was to watch, pray and stay on guard.
It’s important to note that the only reason Peter was able to overcome his previous stumble is because Jesus interceded for him. If you go back to Luke 22:31-32, you’ll find the words Jesus spoke to Peter. He told him, “Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
We clearly see that Peter did turn a corner and strengthen his brothers in the faith. And friend, you will turn a corner too, because Jesus has interceded for you just the same. He has already prayed for you so your faith won’t fail; so the enemy can’t devour you; so you will be an ambassador for Him; so you will bounce back after a setback; so you will emerge from your test stronger, better and wiser; and so you will possess every promise He has made to you.
Just be vigilant. Stay in the word of God. Stay on your knees, seeking the Lord. Stay focused on your spiritual growth and development, and remain full of faith. Even though you may hit rough patches here and there, you can be confident that you will turn a corner, rise up and emerge victoriously.
To remind you that Jesus has interceded for you and continues to do so, I’m stirring a portion of Romans 8:34 ESV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”
As you drink down the contents of your cup, be grateful that You have Jesus Christ mediating on your behalf. He is pleading your case and assuring you that no matter what comes against you, like Peter, you will turn a corner, and things will turn in your favor according to His will.
Now, let’s pray.
God, thank You for assuring me that Christ is my advocate who intercedes for me, and I shall see the salvation of the Lord. Since I know that there is no victory apart from Your will, I ask that You help me remain vigilant and rooted in You. As long as I do this, I believe I will receive the positive outcomes and great blessings You have in store for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
