Vacation Time

"When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came."
-- Luke 4:14 (NLT)

What a fun couple of days I have been having. Since Monday I have been on hyperdrive writing my book. (My book is a novel that will create awareness and inspire compassion in our country to fight against human trafficking in our own homeland and abroad.) What an incredible journey as I pray through all this. I really believe this story is inspired by God. I wasn't really looking to try and write a book. Gracious, it it a lot of dedication. BUT, I truly believe God wants to use this for HIS Glory. So, if I get to be a part of that, well, then I am honored to do so.

On Monday I wrote about 15 pages, and I was stoked! So excited! The next day, I think I was under attack. I didn't sleep well, I felt discouraged. I felt inadequate as a mother. I think the devil's default attack is to accuse my role as a mother, because he knows how precious my son is to me. Anyway, after some tears on Tuesday, I acknowledged it for what it was... Just the dumb devil making lousy remarks and shooting below the belt.

So this morning I was reading Luke 4 and saw how the Devil tempted Jesus. He tempted issues of provision, promotion, and protection. All things I must trust in God for as well. But the part that stood out to me today was the verse listed above. Jesus was triumphant. He worshipped God first. He trusted God's provision and timing rather than taking it into his own hands.

But then it said in verse 13...
"When the devil has finished tempting Jesus, he left until the next opportunity came."

Funny how Jesus had been victorious in that moment, but the Devil didn't give up for good. He would still be watching and waiting for an opportunity to tempt and accuse Jesus. If the Devil didn't take a vacation when Jesus was walking the earth, my guess is that he probably won't for me either.

I don't have any reason to fear. I know that the God IN me is bigger and stronger than the devil around me. So, no need for fear... just awareness. The devil is looking for opportunities. He looks for a day when our guard is down, or we are discouraged. He also looks for a day when we try to be independent, or do things in our own strength. He looks for days when we step out in faith, and attempt new things for the Glory of God. He wants to distract us or discourage us from obedience, because he knows that our obedience to God will bear fruit, create intimacy with our Savior, and deepen our faith and trust in God. The devil would rather we stay shallow, selfish, worrisome, and fearful, without any fruit in our lives.

SO, be ready. Understand that when God is stretching your faith, or calling you to incredibly brave things... the devil is poised and ready. When you are ready to forgive someone, or speak wisdom into someone's life, or reach out to someone new, the devil watching. When you are ready to give generously and sacrificially, the devil is watching. When you are ready to step out of a life of guilt or depression, he is watching. But have NO fear!

"Humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God and he will come close to you." James 4:7-8 (NLT)

Resist the devil! Call him out! Kick him out of your home and your family life. Don't give him even a place to stay in your heart. You tell him, "Jesus has taken up residence here- so there is no room for you!"

I feel so much more free today since reading God's Word and knowing that with God, victory is within reach!

Love to you all!
Truth be Told,
Tiffany