NO PLACE

In 1 Peter 5, we learn that there is an adversary, symbolised as a devouring lion, seeking those he can devour. However, it’s crucial to recognise that there are some he cannot devour—those who, when scrutinised, provide no place for his destructive presence.

The essence of this concept is powerful: when the enemy looks at you, he should find no place, no foothold to leverage against you. Yet, the challenging truth is that we cannot resist what we are in agreement with. Perhaps the inconspicuousness of being unnoticed is God’s protective shield.

The enemy thrives on routine; he studies it, learns it, and hides in it. We often underestimate his ability to destroy our future and our children’s futures by finding a place within the familiarity of our routines.

The scriptural charge to “give the devil no place” resonates in Ephesians 4:27. Obedience becomes paramount, for it is better than sacrifice. Are we inadvertently leaving a gap for the enemy to exploit? This question becomes particularly crucial when we reflect on 1 John 4:1, which urges us to test all spirits and align ourselves obediently with God’s Word.

A subtle danger often lurks in our service to God—we mistakenly consider what we serve as our source. This misalignment can inadvertently create a place for the adversary. Hence, as we navigate the intricacies of spiritual warfare, let us be vigilant, ensuring that we give no place to the enemy. May our obedience be a shield and our service be rooted in the understanding that our true source is found in Christ alone.