Vigilant and Cautious

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Vigilant and Cautious

Andrea Lende • August 15, 2022

I Peter 5:8-9

You can listen to the devotion and prayer at: https://anchor.fm/andrea-lende/episodes/Vigilent-and-Cautious-e1mhppv

I Peter 5:8-9

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset – rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world.

The enemy is constantly, and will always and forever be, after us.

Peter says he seeks to seize and devour us.

The enemy uses many different tactics that it makes it difficult to be prepared for them all.

There are times we are consumed with fear.

Times we are wrought up with anxiety.

Times we are filled with pride.

These attacks come from within us, so it seems we are fighting with ourselves which keeps us in turmoil.

Then there are times when our circumstances are rocked, and we are thrown off balance.

There are even times when someone we trust is being used by the enemy to distract or dissuade us.

Peter tells us to, “be vigilant and cautious at all times.”

We cannot let our guard down.

We must always be wary.

We must put on the armor of God every single day.

Peter warns us to, “Withstand him; be firm in faith.”

The Amplified Bible’s interpretation of this phrase is to be “rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined.”

We must pray that God will help us be strong, immovable, and determined.

We cannot resist him on our own.

God must come to our aid.

Lastly, Peter writes that all Christians will face these same difficulties.

The enemy is constantly on the lookout for those who have let their guard down.

We must pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ knowing they are fighting battles we probably know nothing about.

Today I choose to be vigilant and cautious and stand strong and determined against the enemy.

May you find that as you pray for God to strengthen you that you are able to be on your guard and resist the enemy’s advances.

Daily Prayer:

O Lord, my God, thank You for Your Word that warns us to be vigilant and diligent in our spiritual walk. Help us be constantly mindful that we are targets of the enemy. Strengthen us in every way to stand firm against the enemy’s attacks. Strengthen us to be strong, determined, and fully able to withstand his advances. Through the blood of Your Son, we are covered. Your plan to save us two thousand years ago covers us today. We are victorious in You. Keep us Yours, Lord, and keep our eyes on You. Help us remember that You are in control, and nothing can separate us from Your love. You are our Rock and our Strength. Help us bless someone today, Lord. Thank You for hearing our prayer.

Answer: You are Mine, and nothing can take you away from Me. Keep your eyes on Me.

Response: Undeservedly Yours, Lord, thank You most gracious and mighty God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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