Your weaknesses

"He fasted forty days and forty nights, then he was hungry, and the tempter came and said to him : If you are the Son of God, order these stones to become loaves. Jesus answered : It is written : Not of bread alone, but of every word that comes out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4.2-4

Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson knew the keys to victory. In 1862, during the early days of the Civil War, he was charged with leading the troops from the South into the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. Although in numerical inferiority, his army won an astounding victory. Military historian Bevin Alexander believes that one of the keys to his victory was his knowledge of the weak point of his enemy. Jackson exploited this weakness and won the battle.

Many Christians are defeated because they are not ready when Satan attacks them. Satan applied this same principle to Jesus. He knew that Jesus had fasted and was probably hungry. So he attacked him. He reminded him of his power, claiming that he could order "these stones to become loaves". But Jesus was ready. He knew the Word of God. And he knew how to triumph over his enemy.

Many Christians are defeated because they are not ready when Satan attacks them. They do not know the Word of God. They do not know their enemy. They do not realize that he knows them by name. And he knows where they are vulnerable. It does not attack them where they are strong, but it targets their weak points. It does not come when they are vigilant, but when they sleep. Not when they are ready, but when they do not expect it and they are vulnerable.

Remember today that Satan knows you and your family. He knows where you are vulnerable. But you can defeat it ! Confess your sins and avoid his traps. Pray ! Read the Word ! Proclaim that God's promises are true in your life ! Hold on and refuse compromises. Be daring! Make sure you are ready !

A prayer for today

Father, help me to be strong in the Spirit. Show me where I am vulnerable to attacks. Fill me with your Spirit. I want to rely on the promises of your Word. Amen.

John Roos

Source (The Thought of the Day)