Satan tempted Jesus three times after he had fasted forty days and nights in the wilderness. When he was unable to convince Jesus to worship him, the devil withdrew, not in defeat but to look for an opportune time to renew his efforts.
That Satan, knowing exactly who Jesus was, was looking for vulnerable moments during which to tempt him speaks volumes about his tenacity and subtlety. I can remember early in my sobriety feeling as though I was locked in a struggle with a demon myself. I held it by the collar (it was wearing a shirt I suppose) in the middle of a circle of light surrounded by complete darkness. It was struggling to get free, not to attack me but to slip away into the darkness. I knew if it got free I would loose it in the blackness and it would come at me again from out of nowhere when I wasn't expecting him and the ism would once again have the upper hand. For me, keeping hold of this demon is attending AA meetings, remaining grateful for God's gift of sobriety and trying to be of help to other alcoholics. There are lots of other demons out there trying to get the upper hand on each of us. They use fear and ego to gain footholds in our being. Without our knowing they use our reasonable desires to lead us to places where we are weak. It is a very subtle game that is played out all around us every day. Each decision we make is a step toward freedom or into peril. Talk of demons makes many people very uncomfortable. Although they are mentioned many times in scripture they are an awkward topic in this enlightened, modern day. Regardless of our thoughts on this subject we all know people who have made decisions that have had adverse effects on their lives. The fact that so many continue in destructive patterns even after they would like to change indicates that we can lose our freedom of choice. Sometimes our decisions trap us. How do you view temptation, demons and sin? Is this a hypothetical struggle? A theological one? One that we will recognize when it's really important but don't have to worry about on a daily basis? Do we get lots of do overs? Can we count on these? Will things all work out in the end? Won't God's love and grace conquer all? My thoughts on the matter aren't nearly as important as yours so please, for your own sake give it some thought. In this world where things certainly aren't always what they seem, to proceed with some caution seems wise. Even committed Christians have more than one voice calling to their spirit. We must take the time to learn to recognize our shepherds voice. (John 10: 1-5) Satan never gave up on getting a foothold in Jesus' spirit. He is certainly also lurking in our dreams, waiting to give us the deal of a lifetime. Give it some thought.
Gracious Heavenly Father, Please lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil. It is in your love and freedom that I trust. Train me to recognize your voice and lead me where you will. Amen.
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