“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” – 1 Peter 5:8–9

Scripture reading: Nehemiah 4:15-20

Sometimes soldiers go off to war, fighting at the front, hundreds of miles away from home. Sometimes war comes to us. We think of life for those in Ukraine. Suddenly no place is safe and every civilian must also be a soldier. The threat of an attack on Jerusalem came down a degree. The building could continue, but everyone had to be their own bodyguard. Those going to get supplies had the supplies in one hand and a weapon in the other. Those on the wall continued the work, carrying their sword and trowel.

What a lesson for us in the Christian life. We must be always ready, always watchful, always prayerful. When we are on the road, at the worksite, in town and out of town, we need to have our weapons ready against the attacks of the enemy.

Satan wants to contaminate godliness and destroy growth. Satan will attack us when and where we are vulnerable. We need to be always ready to stand firm in the faith and fight off the attacks. And what are the weapons we must have ready for our spiritual battles? It is the Word of God, the truth of God. It is the shield of faith and steadfast prayer. A life of serving the Lord will be attacked by Satan. But we know the One Who is greater. Trust the Lord. As James 4:7 says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

Suggestions for prayer

Thank the Lord for equipping you for the battle. Confess where you have been careless, and ask for watchfulness and discernment, so you can recognize the schemes of the devil and stand firm when tempted.

Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.