When we are desperate: Desperate people do desperate things. When Esau was desperate, he did something irrational—he sold his birthright for a bowl of soup. His tricky twin, Jacob, was all too happy to oblige. When people go through a crisis like a divorce, the death of a loved one, loss of a job or a financial setback, they are especially vulnerable. When we are hurting, we just want to feel better fast. So the tempter comes to offer us a quick escape. Hasty and emotional decisions often compound the problem. Let your desperation spur you toward God not away from Him.
When we are alone: The serpent, it seems, tempted Eve when Adam wasn’t around. Why? A predator isolates its prey from the herd for easy pickings. There is a reason Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs. Solomon explained, “Two are better than one .. .for if they fall, then one will help up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has no one to help him up” (Eccl. 4:9-10). That’s why it’s vital to have a church family that loves and supports you and a network of friends you can lean on when you’re facing tough times. We are much stronger together than we are on our own.
Someone said, “Opportunity may only knock once, but temptation leans on the doorbell.” Friend, you have a target on your back. Be alert. The enemy is lurking, setting traps to ambush you. Jesus warned, “Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation” (Matt. 26:41). You may be enjoying smooth sailing for now, but rest assured, the tempter’s imps will be back. After the dove, beware of the snake.
