Naked at war
Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
Those verses in Luke are both terrifying and reassuring all wrapped up into one. Christ was at His last supper and telling the disciples of many things to come involving Him, and them. Simon Peter was the most outspoken of the crowd, and Satan wanted get his chance at Simon, and weaken the leader of the disciples. But did you catch that he had to ask permission? Satan has no authority on his own, but must approach God before approaching us. “Oh God can I pleeeeassee go after that one who seems to be doing all these good things for you?” Have you read the story of Job and how God was so proud of him that He let Satan test him harshly only to prove how wrong Satan was and ultimately rewarded Job for his trial?
God will never tempt you in any way to do wrong. James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. God will only draw you near to Himself and give you the strength to face those temptations when they come. The more time you spend with God in prayer and His word, the more strength you have to face the temptations when they come, and they will surely come. When you are spending less time with Him, you are like a soldier thrown into battle naked without his weapons and shields. You are not prepared for the fight and succumb much more easily to the temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Prepare every day by placing yourself with God in prayer and meditation, and these will strengthen you for the temptations that Satan will bring your way. You cannot go into battle naked and unarmed and expect victory, and victory comes only through Christ.
oneminuteministry 