“Sin is a lie, and its subtle suggestion are being whispered into your ears and mine right now by the one with death on his breath. But we don’t have to simply sit and take it, trying our best not to listen. We can do something about it. The thing that has helped me so much is to study exactly what the enemy wants to do to me.”- Lysa TerKeurst
“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”- James 1:14-15 (NIV)
As Lysa TerKeurst continues Chapter 9 of It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, she observes that Satan targets us with temptation, deception, and accusation. Today Ms. TerKeurst discusses temptation. In addition, she completes this discussion over the next two blogs.
1. Temptation. Satan’s fully aware that our disappointments create pain. Consequently, Lysa notes, our brains demand something to ease each ache. This, in turn, provides the perfect entry point for Satan. There he dangles his evil enticements and temptations. Yet, the author states, temptation’s only effective if Satan keeps its consequences from us. Ms. TerKeurst explains:
“The enemy is thrilled when we don’t open our Bibles and he knows when we don’t. He also know how to process our disappointments and the good things God can bring from them. If we can remember this, we can see more clearly what a horrible trap Satan’s temptations really are. The enemy wants us to think the Bible’s too complicated to understand and too difficult to live out.”
In conclusion, Lysa cautions, Satan knows the powerful nature of God’s Word. And he want to keep us from it. Don’t allow him to do so!
Today’s question: What Scriptures help you resist Satan, the one with death on his breath? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The deception that imprisons us”
