Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5–11

Devotion

Do you know that you have an enemy? No, I don’t mean the rival football team to your favorite college program. I certainly don’t mean the supervisor you can’t get along with! Today’s passage is clear: Your enemy is Satan himself. He is cunning and patient, actively seeking your destruction. That’s why Peter encourages us to “be sober-minded, be alert.” It’s important to recognize our weaknesses and vulnerabilities—the very areas Satan seeks to exploit to harm our character and integrity.

If Satan is prowling around like a roaring lion, are you watching for him (v.8)? Most lions attack their prey when their potential meal is alone. Do you have a band of brothers or sisters surrounding you with accountability, encouragement, and motivation to keep resisting Satan’s attacks in your life? In the same way that we wouldn’t ignore a lion running loose in our home, let’s not allow Satan to gain a foothold in our lives.

Right now, as you read this, believers worldwide are standing firm in their faith amid persecution and spiritual opposition. Their perseverance reminds us that we’re part of a global story of God’s victory over darkness. Let their faith inspire you to live with courage, resolve, and a deep desire to honor God in all that you do. Satan must flee from a life like that.

A Personal Prayer

Take a few moments to pray and ask the Lord to search your heart and life. What areas of weakness or struggle do you need to confess to Him, knowing that confession brings the power of God? Pray for the strength to flee and resist Satan’s schemes in your life.

Pray for Our Neighbors: Cul2Vate

Cul2Vate, a nonprofit in Middle Tennessee, addresses both physical and spiritual hunger by “Growing Food and Growing People.” Rooted in Matthew 25:35, Cul2Vate grows produce for food-insecure communities and provides job training and discipleship opportunities for individuals seeking a fresh start.

• Pray for an abundant harvest, that Cul2Vate’s produce would nourish those in need across Middle Tennessee.
• Ask God to bless the Cul2vators with growth in both job skills and faith as they learn and work.
• Pray for each Cul2vator’s spiritual growth to encounter God’s love and transformation as they cultivate the land.

Pray for the Nations: Global Workers | Nick & Lisa

Nick serves as the president of Deaf Pathway Global, a ministry dedicated to translating Scripture into the 300+ sign languages of the world so that Deaf believers can read, lead, and share God’s Word in their heart language. Lisa oversees mission work among the Deaf across Africa, leading teams that evangelize, disciple, and plant indigenous Deaf churches throughout the continent.

• Pray for more workers to be sent to share the hope of Jesus with the Deaf; many are waiting to hear His name, but few have gone to tell them.
• Ask God to strengthen Deaf churches and leaders who are growing weary, that they would rely on His power and remain steadfast in faith.
• Lift up Deaf Pathway Global, asking for partners who share their vision and for continued unity and flourishing in Nick and Lisa’s family.