Just before rising for the day, the pungent smell of a
skunk’s presence permeated throughout our house. At first, my nose detected a slight odor,
waking me from a peaceful slumber. Then,
gradually it became more noticeable, growing and gaining strength until the
sickening scent seemed to engulf our entire bedroom, so much so that staying in
bed was unbearable. However, even though
its intrusion was unwelcomed, I had no choice but to wait until the forces of nature
extinguished its invasion. Meanwhile, I got
to thinking J
Isn’t that the way temptation invades us? It, too, comes gradually, springing from
thoughts in our minds, often going unnoticed until the thoughts keep repeating
themselves, spreading so thick that they become intolerable. So we react, whether for the good in us or
the bad in us. The consequences will
vary. But who is the instigator of these temptations? Satan, of course.
Satan is very crafty and delights in surprise attacks,
similar to a skunk. However, Satan’s
perfume is pleasant rather than pungent. Consequently, we need to be aware of
his ploys and be on guard to protect ourselves from falling under his
spells. How do we resist him?
Unlike waiting for the skunk’s lingering presence to
pass with the wind, we can take immediate action from Satan’s temptations by
relying on God, our Father. I
Corinthians 10:13 states, “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.” To me that
verse reassures me of God’s faithfulness, His concern for His children, and His
escape route when we are tempted by Satan, whose scent is even less desirable than a
skunk’s.
“Therefore submit to God.
Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
James 4:7
