When are the devil and his evil compatriots the most dangerous?
When they are the noisiest?
Or, when they are the quietest?
Maybe I’d better back up just a bit and lay some groundwork.
The devil is likened to a roaring lion, who is constantly seeking someone to devour. Jesus said the devil only wants to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10).
Notice how a lion goes after its prey.
The lion not only ambushes its prey, it also stalks it. In other words, it doesn’t always make a lot of noise.
At times, it is extremely quiet.
And that’s where the danger lies.
The quiet lion.
Unless the prey recognizes it’s being stalked, it makes no effort to defend itself. It goes about life with a business-as-usual attitude and focus. Looking for food and water, trying to find a place to lie down and rest; just the daily grind of routine living. Nothing exciting or out of the ordinary.
That they’re aware of, anyway.
Until they hear the lion’s roar.
But by then, it may be very hard to resist.
There may not be TIME to resist!
Sure. They may find a way to beat off the attack. They may be stronger than the lion realized.
However, they may lose a leg or an ear in the process. And, they may bleed to death after it’s all said and done.
Wouldn’t it be better if the subtle, stalking movement of the quiet lion was recognized while he was still far off?
Do you understand YOU and I are the devil’s prey? And there are plenty of warnings in the bible for the child of God. Warnings such as:
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.” (Luke 21:34 ESV)
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41 ESV)
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV)
“…so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” (2 Corinthians 2:11 ESV)
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13 ESV)
“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.” (1 Peter 4:1 ESV)
It is MORE than wise to pay close attention to your spiritual surroundings.
It is BIBLICALLY MANDATED!
What I mean is, we’re instructed to walk humbly with the Lord, listening to the Spirit’s voice, so we can be aware of our enemy’s maneuvers.
Maneuvers such as the manipulation of our minds with fear, greed, lust, or any number of schemes designed to get us to lay down our guard and leave our heart unprotected.
Know what I mean?
Yes, the devil goes around like a roaring lion… but he usually won’t roar until he’s just about on top of his prey.
Sure, like the aforementioned quarry, we may fend him off and claim the victory. And the scripture does say to “resist him steadfast in the faith”; so it’s possible to successfully ward off an attack.
But at what cost?
Is losing an ear (the ability to hear the voice of God) or a leg (the ability to do the works of God) worth running the risk?
No, I don’t believe so. In fact, I KNOW it isn’t.
There have been times in my life when I’ve allowed the quiet lion to get close enough to ambush me. And when he finally roared, I was already wrapped up in the paralyzing feelings and desires which I had allowed to grow unchecked in my life.
Yes, with the Lord’s help, and the love and care of His people, I finally got the lion’s teeth removed from my ear and legs. But I tell you, it was some time before I was able to hear again.
And my walk has forever been altered.
So pay attention, brothers and sisters. Don’t wait until you hear the roar before you begin taking evasive action.
Watch out for the quiet lion.
The life you save may be your own.
Jan Grace 