What is your Devourability Score?

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

There’s a myth that has been perpetuated through the church, claiming that trials automatically make us stronger. That’s not true. Pressure can create diamonds, but it can also break apart marriages. Trials don’t build us; they reveal what has already been built.

Your strength doesn’t come from your suffering. It comes from standing on the Word in the middle of your suffering. Notice in Peter’s warning to the church that he said the enemy is a devourer, but he can’t consume everyone. He seeks out whom he can devour. Your devourability is not determined by God; you decide it. Many believers are not “devourable” because they stand firm on the Word. Think of the enemy like a virus that aims to destroy your operating system. The Word is your firewall. The Kingdom is your defense system. And faith is the password that keeps the enemy locked out.

Now, if you abandon God’s system for harvest, you will see that all protection for your seed will disappear. But if you follow His Kingdom order, you become a threat to the enemy, not a target.

Peter told believers to “resist steadfast in the faith.” The word “resist” here is a warfare term. It means standing your ground, opposing, and fighting back. You can’t resist him with your feelings; it must be done by operating in faith. That means declaring the Word over your life when you want to complain, staying in the Spirit when your flesh is trying to take control, refusing to be offended, walking in joy, and remaining obedient even when it's difficult.

Practical Application

 It’s one thing to shout in church; it’s another to stand firm in battle. The true test of your faith doesn’t happen in the sanctuary when the Pastor is preaching; it occurs in the storm. Satan is not omnipresent, but he is persistent. However, you’re not helpless against his attacks; you are equipped to keep standing.

Ephesians 6:11; James 4:7