A More Opportune Time

I want to give you an analogy to think on this week: The Prowling Lion.

The Bible tell us:

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Picture how the lion hunts. He doesn’t just jump in amongst his prey and start chasing, hoping to catch one. No, instead he stays back, watching. He watches the herd and waits. He watches to find the weakest among them and then waits until an opportune time to attack that weakling – and then makes his attack.

When Jesus was led to the desert for forty days to be tempted, the “lion” watched until he was weak. Once weak, then Satan approached and began tempting him. But here’s the kicker:

“When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:13)

Yes, Jesus withstood the temptation! He stayed focused on God – and Satan left! But the key words I want you to notice in the above verse are this: “he left him UNTIL AN OPPORTUNE TIME.” Satan left – until a more opportune time! He’s watching and waiting.

Oh, what are we to do? One, I want you to hold fast because Jesus has already conquered Satan, and as His followers – we are on the winning side! We no longer have to fight to win, only stand strong.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:10-18)

So stand strong, put on the full armor of God, keep praying – and persevere!

“The lion perishes for lack of prey, and the cubs of the lioness are scattered.” (Job 4:11)

The lion perishes for lack of prey!

God bless you and may He strengthen you!