Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. [1 Peter 5:8-9a (NLT)]

While in Tanzania, I was transfixed while watching a group of lionesses stalk zebras as the herd drank from a stream. Although the lions were concealed in the tall grass, periodically the herd would spook and run a few feet away from the water. The cool water, however, was too tempting and their thirst would bring them right back again. Meanwhile, the lions patiently watched and waited, gradually moving closer to the animals. We didn’t wait to see how this scenario ended but I have no doubt that eventually the lions got one of the zebras, perhaps a smaller weaker one or one who wandered away from the herd. The lions patiently watched for the zebra who lingered just a little bit longer for one last sip, the one who thought he wouldn’t get caught. If they weren’t successful that afternoon, the lions would be back at the watering hole the next day, vigilantly waiting to spring into action when opportunity arose.

Satan is equally as persevering and watchful as those lions. We must stay strong and alert, close to other Christians, be aware of temptation and never think we are invulnerable from Satan’s attack.