6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (I Peter 5)
These people had problems. They were suffering persecution. The "roaring lion" using the lions of the arena to scare them. Yet, they were to stand firm in their faith. The way to stand up against such opposition is not lift our head in pride, but humble our hearts in obedience, dependence, and faith. Resistance is not bitter rebellion; it is steadfast confidence. When we "stand" in such a way, we will be able to see God at work, doing what we could never do.
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