Our texts of devotion are taking from Luke 22 verses 31 to 34 and it reads:

[31] And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

[32] But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

[33] And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

[34] And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

MESSAGE

    In warfare, a common strategy is to capture or kill key leaders on the enemy's side to gain tactical advantage. The killing of Osama bin Laden was a pivotal moment in modern history, marking the end of the decade-long chase for the mastermind behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States. It also crippled and weakened the influence of the Al-Qaeda terrorist group.

    This kind of strategy also applies in spiritual warfare. The devil targets those he considers key leaders and influential disciples of Christ. Recognising Peter's significant position and relevance in God's plan for the Church, he wanted to destroy Peter's faith and abort God's plan for him. However, Jesus knew Satan's plot; thus, He forewarned Peter, reassuring him of His prayers. Rather than heed Christ's warning, Peter began to boast of his love and loyalty to Christ.

    Satan's plot against Peter applies to all believers. He constantly desires to take us down. The devil considers every believer a potential threat to him and his kingdom. Therefore, he tries to get the believer out of favour with God and render him weak and useless such that he can no longer pose a threat to him. Satan uses fierce and bitter opposition or subtle temptations to allure the unsuspecting Christian. But we have the comforting assurance that Jesus is praying for us.

    However, Christ's intercession for us does not absolve us of the responsibility of staying on guard always. While we are not to become scared of the devil, we cannot afford to be carefree, careless, presumptuous, or self-confident. We must constantly watch and pray. There is no spiritual level we can attain, or how close to God we can be, that will keep us out of the devil's temptations and plot. Satan does not give up on anyone at all. He does not mind waiting as long as it takes to hunt down a believer. We must, therefore, constantly watch and pray. Take to the counsel of Charlotte Elliott, the hymn writer:

"Gird thy heavenly armour on,

Wear it ever night and day;

Ambushed lies the evil one;

Watch and pray."

    As long as we keep trusting in the Lord and abide in His words, we can be sure of victory over the devil no matter how long and hard he tries!