Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:11, KJV)

Many may be unaware that our devotional life—the time of personal prayer and meditation on the Word—is one of the most contested spiritual territories. As Paul warned the Corinthians, we must not be ignorant of Satan’s tactics and how he operates in our lives.

If Satan fails to prevent someone from becoming saved, he will undoubtedly exert great effort to make their Christian life a failure. Did you know Satan fights relentlessly to hinder people from hearing and believing the Gospel? Scripture reveals that he blinds the minds of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4) and steals the Word of God sown in their hearts, preventing them from believing (Mark 4:15).

Since the enemies of our spiritual lives did not succeed in stopping us from receiving salvation, their next target is to frustrate our relationship with God. One highly effective strategy is to hinder us from feeding on God’s Word and praying. Have you also noticed the challenges of maintaining a healthy prayer life and consistent Bible reading? For instance, if we spend an hour browsing social media or engaging in an activity that gratifies the flesh, we encounter little resistance and even find company and encouragement to do more. However, when we attempt to spend an hour with God each day, we immediately face resistance, discouragement, opposition, and more.

Let your eyes be opened. Active forces oppose our spiritual lives, seeking to hinder anything that draws us closer to God. Without overcoming these fierce adversaries—distractions, social media, sleep, busy schedules, and excuses—we cannot cultivate a healthy devotional life.

Contend for your personal devotional altar.

Meditate

Why does Satan steal the Word of God from people’s hearts in the parable of the sower (Mark 4:15)?

Apply the Word

Remember that you are engaged in a spiritual war, and Satan has his eye on your devotional life because it is the source of great power and wisdom to live daily. Stay vigilant, and do not allow anything or anyone to disrupt or destroy your personal time with your Father.

Pray

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you recover any territory you may have unknowingly lost to the enemy.

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• What is Backsliding? 
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• View All Deshen Daily Devotionals

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