“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” - 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV).
In the animal kingdom there are those animals whose antennas are always high on alert just in case. A mere lapse and then one of the bigger carnivorous animals or reptiles have their jaws deep into their necks. At times they sneak up in the bush or down the stream, leap and suddenly fall on to their unsuspecting prey.
Much like the animal world our lives as believers are also under constant threat from one ferocious enemy called Satan. He is a fallen angel who is ever going about seeking those to devour. In the story of Job we get an idea of how Satan uses his free time. And the Lord said to Satan. “From where have you come?” Satan answered, “From roaming throughout the earth going back and forth (Job 2:2). This is not a leisurely walk. Satan is seeking whom to devour. “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life” (Job 2: 4), he pleaded for Job’s blood.
This is why the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). The reference to schemes is interesting. It means Satan is always designing plots against our lives from all angles, till he sneakily has his jaws sunk into our flesh. Once one’s antennas are down and there he is! As it is written, “The thief comes only to kill and destroy.” (John 10:10).
The Apostle Paul calls on us to be ever on guard. There is the Word of God to constantly guide us against Satan’s schemes, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (Ephesians 6:14). Through prayer we also safeguard and throw him off. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18).
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray in the loving name of Jesus to be constantly on alert against the dark wiles of the devourer that through the might of the power of the Holy Spirit you may protect me and all my belongings ever so!
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03/05/2024 - 04/05/2024 All day“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
Every now and then one could be gripped with fear because of certain events sweeping before one’s life journey. It could be the finances that are stretched and incomes are no longer certain. Perhaps it is one’s job under threat. Perhaps it is a dreaded health report card. There could be fear about outcome of a matter under judgment and what it might mean to one’s future.
Fear has been elsewhere described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” Every life will experience fear at one point. Whenever we are faced with fear it is natural to look for something to grasp on. Sometimes we run for shelter wherever we can find. Perhaps we might seek out a friend for quiet confidence.
But there are those situations when there is no shelter in sight. There are also those cases where those we thought would understand our situation once we share our pain return only hurting and critical feedback. In such moments we might then turn and look within ourselves only to find the energy has all been sapped by this gnawing fear. We feel down and the urge to rise and move on all gone!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10) the word of God through prophet Isaiah assures us. But why? It is because the Lord has been there. He himself was faced with fear before his crucifixion but He looked to God.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote when faced with fear always remember, “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” Psalm 91:2, says, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” So, when faced with fear, look to God to strengthen you. By looking to Him, the Lord will encourage and lift up your spirit, and make a way out of nowhere!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you any fear that is in me for I know by looking up to you, you will always make a way out of nowhere, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
