The pandemic along with the holiday season makes many of us vulnerable to temptation and suggestion. We get so wary from being locked up and locked down. We are working twice as hard, because some of us are taking care of children with out break and/or we are having to take care of our parents because they are vulnerable. We are busier than ever and than throw in the worry of getting sick and/or losing our jobs, because of the pandemic. We feel zoomed out and alone. These are all ingredients for disaster. With all that the world is throwing at us right now, we just want to escape.
8 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)
Vulnerability is what the enemy (Satan) roams the earth looking for. When the world has beaten us down and worn us out, that’s when Satan goes to work. He begins by getting us to feel sorry for ourselves and feel like we are missing out on something else. Once he gets us to believe that God is not enough for us than he can talk us into so many things.
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:2-4)
After Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days fasting, when he was most vulnerable to the suggestion that God was not enough, Satan told Him he should eat if he is hungry. Jesus replied that God is enough.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
It’s hard to remember that God is enough when the world around us is in such chaos. We feel so out of control. We just want to take things into our own hands and run. When we start to feel like that, Satan is happy to provide an escape for us. Whether it is in the form of drugs, alcohol, pornography, food, gambling or any number of other ways that lead us away from God. Before we know it we need an escape from our escape.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Jesus says when the world is beating you up and you just want to run away, run to me. I will give you the escape you are looking for. He says in Me, in My word you will find rest and all that you seek. Instead of binging on something that will leave you empty try binging on Me and My word and be filled again.
Jesus loves us and is always there for us. Praise God.
