It's All in the Timing

Read Luke 4:1-13
"When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left until an opportune time."

I've come to learn throughout my journey of following Jesus that my definition of an "opportune time" and the devil's definition of "opportune time" are very different.  When it comes to temptation, the opportune time for me is when I'm nailing it, right?  Bring it on devil when I am in the Word everyday, when I am strong in my accountability with Brothers in Christ, when I am praying, serving faithfully, getting enough rest and taking care of myself physically.  That's my opportune time!  In those moments I am well prepared and ready for the tactics and ploys of the enemy.  I can spot temptation coming from a mile away.  I've fallen on my knees, taken it to Jesus even before it arrives.  I have gathered my brothers and asked them to pray for me.  I've even put on the the full armor of God found in Ephesians 6.  That's the opportune time.

But not for the devil...

See he waits!  In the passage of Scripture above, Jesus has been in the desert for 40 days, fasting and praying.  Now note, the devil doesn't come on day 1 or 15.  He waits until the defenses of Jesus are low.  He's hungry, lonely, and tired.  That's the when the devil jumps him.  What I love about this story is that even in a vulnerable state, Jesus manages to fend off the temptations.  But!!!  And this is huge.  The devil doesn't go away head hanging defeated.  Instead, he bides his time, waiting for another opportune time to come at Jesus.

The opportune time for the devil is when our defenses are low.  He comes at us when we've been lazy, complacent, discouraged, or disappointed.  He lays in wait in the field of tall grass, waiting til the moment is right, when we've been taken off guard by something or someone.  It's in that moment that the time is right!  Then he pounces.  Often when people fall to temptation, they say similar words, "I never saw it coming."

As followers of Christ, we are called in Peter's 1st letter to be "alert and self-controlled."  That's the way of the follower, to be steady and ready for the tactics and ploys of the enemy.  It also requires us to be self-reflective and honest.  We must be aware of the situations and scenarios in our lives that make us particularly vulnerable to temptation.  Awareness of our vulnerability is our humble recognition of our need for Christ, each and every day,  We don't resist temptation through gusto and bravado, but through surrender and trust to/in Christ.

What makes it the "opportune time" for the devil in your life?
What situations make you prone to discouragement and disappointment?
What relationships lower your defenses?
What gets you easily distracted?
Have you surrendered each of these to Christ, today?
Are you well fortified and equipped for the onslaught of temptation or are your defenses low?