"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7
It is well known that the Adversary means us no good. We are encouraged in Paul's letter to the Ephesians to "put on the full armor of God" in order that we might resist the fiery arrows with which he is actively attacking us. Despite this metaphor, he is not nearly so overt. The attacks of Satan come quietly and often times attractively.. He appeals to things that are already desirous to us be it because of how it looks, how it can bring us physical pleasure or feed our ego. Once we give in, the attack has been successful. And once he has been successful, the target that we are becomes easier and easier to hit.
Beloved, there is no reason that we should make it easy for Satan to destroy us, particularly since there is a refuge available in God. Not only does God equip us with armor but He also limits the attack and provides a retreat if we need it. Scripture reveals, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it" 1 Cor 10:13.
The greatest threat then, is not Satan, nor is it his powerful ability to tempt. The greatest threats are the choices we make. We have to choose to put on the armor. We have to choose to take the escape. We have to choose to not give in to that which looks, tastes and feels good to us when it stands in opposition to godliness. And just as the Adversary is embolden by the success of getting us to submit to his attack, the word of God tells us that he is discouraged when he is unsuccessful. Would you like to deal with less temptation in your life? When it comes, just say "no" to it and you will find that it will pop up less and less until it stops all together. When the armor is on and the darts do not work, he will look for an easier target.
Committed,
Lee
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