Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

1 Peter 5:8-9

Your Encouragement

During this period of uncertainty and chaos, we need to maintain our spiritual focus. We must “Stay alert,” as Peter warns and encourages us (1 Peter. 5:8-9). We cannot let our guard down. Neither can we be slothful. We have a vicious enemy out there who seeks to do us harm. He is cunning and relentless. He is a master conman (Jn. 8:44; 10:10a).

Peter tells us to stand firm against him, holding on tightly to our faith in the true Lion, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah—Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Redeemer.

He has overcome for us (Jn. 16:38; 19:30), and in Him, we are more than conquerors (Rm. 8:37).

You are not alone in this battle (1 Pt. 5:9). Though COVID-19 has made life difficult and uncertain, you still have fellowship with Christ and the brethren of the church. We are together in this painful experience and sharing in the suffering of Christ.

Let us, therefore, stay away from every defilement in honor of His holy name, regardless of the consequences.

Remember His promise to Israel in Isaiah 43:1-2, and let it warm your heart this morning.

But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.

He who has promised is faithful.