When Trouble Takes a Break

Luke 4:13 - And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

We all experience difficult seasons. We may feel we have the “right” to a trouble free life, but life does not come with a trouble-free guarantee. When things are going well, they will get tough again. When are tough, they will get better.

Satan tested Jesus with “every temptation” then gave up. However, Luke is clear he only gave up until an “opportune” time came. Temptation often comes when we least expect it. One day we can win the victory, but the devil will be back. In the Passion of the Christ, Mel Gibson painted that opportune time in Jesus’ life in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus prayed, “If possible, remove this cup from me.” It makes sense that Satan launched his ultimate assault on Christ through the Crucifixion. Yet, Jesus was not caught off guard. He ultimately won the victory through his Resurrection. We need to be alert to Satan’s schemes. He will often attack when we are most vulnerable and not on the alert. If he is not pestering you now, he will be back, but you can overcome him, as Jesus did, through faith and the word of God.