When the Enemy Wants You Afraid - Your Nightly Prayer - October 26

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When the Enemy Wants You Afraid

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-11)

SOMETHING TO PONDER

He had every reason to fear. Saint John Vianney experienced spiritual attacks for over thirty years while serving as a spiritual director and ministering to the sick and orphans. Nighttime was the worst because that’s when the noises would start. Knocking. Demonic laughter. Strange singing. Often, the threats were more than mere sounds; they were physical. He once woke in the night to find his bed on fire. Visitors would notice the disturbing events and ask if he was afraid.

The attacks were draining, of course. But was he afraid? No.

John knew that the Lord was His shield and refuge. Since he was doing the work of shepherding and leading others to Christ, he easily became a target for the devil’s attacks. Satan could try to hinder him, but nothing could stop the Lord from working. And no one could snatch John from God’s hand: Not even the most fearsome demonic events or beatings. As he said, “The demon is very cunning … but he is not strong. Making a Sign of the Cross soon puts him to flight.”

Although most of us will not experience as severe spiritual attacks as Saint John Vianney, we are all susceptible to the devil’s schemes. He is like a prowling lion watching for those he can devour (1 Peter 5:8). And one of the tactics he enjoys using is to make us afraid. To fear that we have lost our salvation. To fear that God does not care about us. To fear that the terrors of the night will overwhelm us. The enemy wants us to be afraid, for then we are more vulnerable to his attacks.

Hence, Scripture encourages us to gird ourselves with the armor of God by putting on elements like faith, standing firm in the assurance of our salvation, praying, and wielding God’s Word (Ephesians 6:10-20). Our battle is not against humans, but against the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). And our Lord, the Light of the world, cannot be overcome by the darkness. For nothing is stronger than He who lives inside us and walks beside us.  

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Living Word and Light of the World, You defeated the powers of darkness through dying on the cross and being raised to life again. The devil is a defeated enemy, one that You will crush at Your return. For now, though, Lord, I need Your strength to protect me against the attacks of the devil, who wants to make me afraid. Help me as I put on the armor of God and stand firm in my trust in You. I know that in Your Light, all things must bow, even the powers of evil. Be my shield and strength tonight. In Your name, Christ, I pray. Amen.  

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1 The different parts of the armor of God are listed in Ephesians 6. Which part do you especially need in your current situation?

2 The Cross. Do you have one in your home, or a depiction of one in your Bible? In what ways can it remind you of what Jesus accomplished through His sacrificial death? See Colossians 2:15.

3 Something that makes you feel safe. This could be as simple as a locked door or a blanket, or a memory that reminds you that you are loved and protected. How might this item or image remind you of God’s protection tonight?

Go Deeper: You Can’t Be Brave Until You’re Scared

Have you ever wondered, “If I really trusted God, would I still feel this scared?” Maybe you’re worried about your children, afraid of what others might think, or hesitant to say yes to something God is asking you to do. You want to be faithful, but the fear hasn’t gone away.

This week on The Love Offering Podcast, I’m talking with Jess Connolly about her book, You Can’t Be Brave Until You’re Scared. This conversation met me in such a personal place. I shared how fear once led me to change my college major—and how I still get nervous doing the very things God has called me to do. Jess reminded me that courage can look like trusting Him while our hands are still trembling. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit:©GettyImages/kaipong

Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry, which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about the intersection of literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, visit her author Facebook page, or browse the discipleship-based site Cultivate, where she writes with her sister. 

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