Is the devil trying to single you out?

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Wednesday’s sermon was such an encouragement. It was from 1 Peter 5:6-9. I’ve never really looked at that passage in context before. All I’ve ever seen is:

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Here’s what was brought out (verses 7-8, emphasis mine):

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

He used an illustration of someone carrying a heavy pack. It’s hard to walk, much less for a long distance, when you’re carrying something heavy. It’s easier to stumble, and would be harder to defend yourself if you were attacked.

Cast my burden on the Lord, so I can walk easier. Or continue to carry my burden myself, and allow myself to be singled out by the devil.

One thing he said really hit me. In a close-knit church like ours, the devil isn’t going to be as obvious. If he were to do that, we’d see him coming and be prepared. What he does instead is come quietly, like he did with Eve. He’ll try to find someone who is already down – someone who is weighed down with a heavy burden. The burden isn’t necessarily sin in their life – just something that weighs heavy on them, and slows them down and making them ineffective.

Our church is small, but VERY close-knit. I love our people, the camaraderie, the sense of family that we have. In my mind, I was picturing myself being singled out, and it was an awful feeling.

It really made me think. Am I trying to carry my burdens myself, or am I spending time with the Lord and giving my burdens to Him? It is definitely motivation to spend more time in His Word.