Have you ever been ignored or overlooked because others didn’t see you for who you really are? I remember a few years ago when our youth group entered a competition. Because our congregation was the smallest, the other contenders didn’t even consider us when planning their defense strategies.

The evening of the competition came, and three of the top youth groups were caught off guard. Our team was nimble, yet agile, and well prepared. By the end of the evening’s program, our youth group was the ‘talk of the town.’ Even the other churches confessed that they didn’t anticipate us being a challenge.

This is a lesson that we should never underestimate the power, experience, and preparation of the enemy.

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)

While we busy ourselves and focus on the things that we think are more important, our adversary is intently putting his attack strategy together. He will stop at nothing to overpower and overcome you, and that’s why you have to be on guard at all times.

While you and I are but a few decades old, the enemy has many millennia of experiences and tactics. Tactics and strategies that have been tested, tried, and proven by him.

Will you ignore the fact that there’s an opponent who is ready to pounce on you at any time? Will you make sure that you are always alert and sober-minded?

I pray that you will have a sober mind and be alert as you depend on the Lord to help you discern and overcome the traps and tricks of the devil.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Help me to keep in mind that the Christian pathway takes place on a battlefield. Help me to be vigilant, not to be distracted, and to always be prepared for what the devil will try to attack me with. Lord, help me to cling to You as my shield, sword, and ultimate defender. Thank You for being the ever-faithful captain of my army. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray. Amen.