|
|
|
|
Dear <<First Name>>,
When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. Luke 4:13
As we come to Holy Week, we can see that the final testings were all set to converge. Jesus was about to confront the religious leaders, the disciple's faith, the betrayal, and the cross. There was enough on His plate to even discourage Jesus.
Often the devil will wait for us to come under a heavy load before he tries to take down our faith. These tests often come during times of heavy schedules, transition times, or times when we are mourning. He loves to kick us when we are down. “And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve. And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them.” Luke 22:3-4.
We can take a page from Jesus' playbook when we face these temptations of opportunity. He did three wise things.
First, He gathered His friends together. When we are going through tough times, we have a tendency to isolate ourselves. Jesus was wiser. He called the disciples together.
Secondly, He encouraged His friends. One of the fastest ways past temptations is to take your focus off of your self and seek to do something for others.
Lastly, He prayed. He made sure that He stayed connected with His Father, even in the midst of the most trying season of His life. Our spiritual life often suffers when we are in stress. Don't allow this to happen. Choose to take some time away to stay connected. It is the only way we will not stumble and make it all the way through safely.
If you are being pressed in a difficult time today, call a friend, pray with them, and encourage them. This is a sure way to defeat the strategy of the devil in your life.
Here is today's reading.
Monday
Love,
Pastor Stuart
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
