Any opportune time?

Spring break - what a concept, a time to rest with none of the trapping of formal holidays. There are no extensive decorations or plans or traditions - just one goal, fun. I still get to enjoy spring break because my kids demand it --we went down to the Smoky Mountains and had all the prescribed fun we were could handle. It was an opportune time to be together as a family and simply enjoy being together.

During the break I was reading in Luke (4:1-30) and I was struck by the story of Jesus temptation by Satan. After 40 days of fasting in the desert, Satan tempted Jesus with all he had. But of course it was to no avail - Jesus, tired and weak as he was, simply would not be swayed from the will of his father. After the temptations there is a curious line in the bible, "When the Devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. " (???)

An opportune time ? It seems that Satan didn't give up on Jesus but began to look for another time to tempt him. (Again to no avail!) I believe this is the same tactic Satan uses on all of us. He looks for times when we are weak, or our guard is down -- an opportune time to tempt us again. He never gives up, he knows that sooner or later we will be more available to his temptation. What are those times for you? Are their times or areas of your life that you let your guard down. Are there people in your life that make you more vulnerable to Satan's call.

Take a look this week at the rhythms of your life. Take note of places, times, and events that leave you tired and vulnerable - opportune times for you to be tempted. (to envy, to lust, to be prideful, to be selfish, to be gluttonous...) Find those moments and say a little prayer for God to help you to remain strong, for him to guide you through your weak times. At your most vulnerable points you can be sure Satan will show up so commit yourself to thinking about your Father. MAKE YOURSELF, train yourself to equate vulnerable times with Christ - and invite him in to protect and love you. He will ALWAYS answer your call - but YOU must invite him in. This will not be easy but once learned will be invaluable.

Be Strong and Couragous,
Dave (Prov. 3:5-6)