FEAST OF SAINT ABDIESUS, DEACON AND MARTYR AND SAINTS SOTER AND CAIUS POPES, MARTYRS – 22nd APRIL
April 22, 2023
MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 22nd APRIL
April 22, 2023
22 April, 2023
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. – 1 Peter 5:8-9
Eternal God of Righteousness, your Omnipresence and Omniscience and your rich Mercy, which is beyond human comprehension, gives us hope and courage, for we live under constant and volatile threats from the devil, who Jesus called the ruler of the world. This evil adversary has made the earth become saturated with sin. His is a constant, never-stopping attack, establishing him as a vicious enemy who wants to destroy us, and goes to inconceivable lengths to hunt us down and hurt us in the most painful way possible.
Satan’s temptations make us believe lies, that we deserve to be comfortable and without pain, and our strong faith should be enough to keep trials, suffering, attacks or persecution at bay. But your Holy Gospel commands us to be sober, to be strong and well equipped with Scripture and to be self-controlled in our mindset. You have warned us against slumber when the devil attacks. Instead, we need to be keen in vision, anticipating danger and persecution, more so when we are filled with the Holy Spirit and strong in holiness.
Lord, Satan is your adversary, in that he even dared to attack your beloved Son Jesus, with his vicious, relentless lies. He is the personal enemy of Faith, prowling around in search of quarry, restlessly and stealthily waiting for us to drop our guard, so that he can thrust in, attacking our souls. He doesn’t stop at anything and will destroy and crush his prey. Lord, we need your protection, for we are helpless without you. Your Holy Word is the only armour against this evil oppressor, and we need to surround ourselves with your Word, in the Spirit of Truth, foregoing our sins, repenting, turning to you in faith and in trust and transforming ourselves into strong advocates of Christ. Help us surrender to Christ, trust in his sacrifice for our sins, and submit to you in Jesus’ Name. Amen
