(from Streams of Living Water for a Thirsty Soul)
“…though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through [many] temptations. “1 Peter 1:6
Does it seem to you that Satan’s temptations come in bunches? For awhile he’ll let us alone. And then suddenly, he’s after us again and seems to hound us relentlessly. He knows our weaknesses and areas that trip us up the quickest, and that’s where he deals his hardest and longest attacks. He seems to think if he keeps at it long enough, he’ll wear us down and gain the victory. He would like nothing better than to drive us into the emotional wilderness. And sometimes he does!
In James 4:7-8 (NRSV), we’re given the strategy for getting rid of Satan. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.”
We are not to try to be strong in ourselves, but in the power of God’s might and to use the armor He provides for us (Ephesians 6:10-18).
When Satan sees that we mean business in overcoming his temptations, he will let us alone–at least for awhile. We have to start resisting him immediately though, because the longer we let his ideas and suggestions in our minds, the longer and harder will be the battle to get rid of him.
Prayer: Help me, God, to remember to start resisting Satan immediately when his temptations come. Thank You for providing the way for me to have victory over him.
Related verses: Luke 11:4, 22:31-32; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 11:3,14,15; Ephesians 4:27; Hebrews 2:18, 4:14-16; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:8-9
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