TOPIC: BEING VIGILANT AND DILIGENT
Bible Reading: Isaiah 43–44; Colossians 2
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)
One mistake a believer should not make is to approach the devil from either of two extremes: denying his existence and influence, or thinking of him as the opposite of God and believing there is nothing we can do about him. The Bible warns us, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” 2 Corinthians 2:11 (KJV). The devil seeks to take advantage of ignorance. Therefore, you must know what God has said concerning you and take your stand firmly on His Word. What you do not know can become an area of vulnerability, but the knowledge of God’s Word gives you the wisdom and authority to resist every strategy of the enemy.
Isaac kept digging wells, but the Philistines repeatedly contended with him and stopped up the wells he had dug. He continued until he came to a place where there was no more contention, and he called it Rehoboth (Genesis 26:19–22). Isaac was diligent and persistent, but his experience also teaches us the importance of vigilance. When he came to Beersheba, the LORD appeared to him, and Isaac built an altar, called upon the name of the LORD, pitched his tent there, and his servants dug a well (Genesis 26:23–25). The lesson is clear: do not take for granted the time spent waiting upon God before starting out. A Word from God establishes your confidence and gives you a firm basis upon which to stand. When things begin to go wrong or develop a pattern that is inconsistent with God’s Word, do not simply explain them away. Return to God in prayer and His Word, because the enemy takes advantage of spiritual insensitivity. Jesus said, “But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat” Matthew 13:25 (KJV).
It is good to be diligent in clearing your field, preparing the ground, and planting good seeds, but you must also be vigilant. When you stop consciously spending time in prayer, meditating on God’s Word, and declaring His promises, you may be becoming spiritually insensitive and vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. Many times, people only discover the tares after they have already sprouted. Therefore, be sober, stay watchful, and guard what God has entrusted to you i.e. your business, ministry, family, and purpose. The instruction is clear: “Whom resist stedfast in the faith” 1 Peter 5:9 (KJV). Be diligent in your work and vigilant in your spirit, knowing that God’s Word, prayer, and strong faith are powerful weapons against every scheme of the enemy.
Prayer: Father, help me to remain diligent in everything You have committed me to do and vigilant against every strategy of the enemy. To be steadfast in prayer, and strong in faith, in Jesus’ name.
Pastor Alfred Samuel