Memorize : Priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Acts 4: 23-24
Devotional Reading: Acts 4: 19 -24
Many people are quick to celebrate after winning a battle, and they let their guard down, it is not a good practice. It is important for us to know that when we win a battle we should still remain battle-ready for another short period of time while we thank God for the victory, why? Because the enemy never give up so easily, in the midst of victory and celebration, the devil can still strike. Matthew 4:1-12; after Jesus had finished fasting and praying 40 days and 40 nights, the devil came to tempt him, if Jesus had lowered his guard and started to celebrate after the first temptation, He could have been caught unaware the second and third time, but Jesus remained battle ready. Many people after winning their first battle usually get excited and start to celebrate letting down their guard, the enemy can come quickly again to attack, some people have been caught and fell victims.
I listened to the testimony of a great seasoned and experienced man of God in Nigeria, he said anytime he prays and fast for a program and the program became very successful, at the end of the successful program, he normally spends a few more days in prayer and fasting to thank God for the victory and success of the program, this is how to keep our guard up even after victory. I learned a lot from the words of this seasoned man of God, I thank God for helping me to put it into practice which has worked tremendous wonders in my life, I recommend this practice to every reader of this Daily Devotional.
Imagine the disciples after their ordeal before the council of Pharisees was over, they let them go.
One would naturally expect that after they were let go, they would start the jubilation and rejoicing in the victory, no, they didn’t, instead, they lifted up their voices to God in prayer. Their decision to pray was possibly informed by their belief that the battle was not yet over even though they had been ALLOWED TO GO, it would be remiss of them to take their enemies for granted or underestimate their adversaries. It is important not to take your adversary for granted and as it is written in John 10:10 the thief (devil) has come to steal, kill and destroy and he will not give up until Jesus returns. Needless to say, that, from the time we gave our lives to Christ; we have enlisted in God’s army; we are already in warefare engaged in battle against the devil, so you are on the devil’s hit list! Many of us misinterpret the fact that the enemy has gone quiet to mean that the battle is over. This could have been the thinking after the disciples were allowed to go, but they knew better.
Many people have fallen prey to the deception of premature jubilation especially when the Lord had turned around our captivity following a long-winded battle with poverty, sickness or any form of delay. As important as it is to give thanks in every situation, it is imperative we continue to press on in prayer regardless of the victory we enjoy. Don’t think that because the Lord has opened doors of divine favour and blessings, it is time to relax. This is the time to fast and pray more than ever, you must guard your unguarded hour. Because the enemy goes quiet may only be to re-strategize and look for ways by which he can pull you down. He might not be able to stop your blessing, but he will endeavour to get you carried away with the blessings to the point that you begin to focus on the blessings and stray away from God. So, you must be on guard at all times.
We need to take a cue from what the disciples did, who after they had been allowed to go, they continued to pray. We need to ask God for the grace to continue in prayer and fasting
despite our blessings, promotions, increase and breakthroughs because your adversary the devil is not relenting even after victory, so why should you go into relax mood and let down your guard?
I pray for you today, that you will not be caught in your unguarded hour in Jesus name.
Prayer point: My Father and my God, please protect my unguarded hour and help me always pray and not faint in Jesus name.
Key Does: Guard your unguarded hour, Watch and Pray!
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor
In His Presence Christ Tabernacle
