The Devil’s All About Opportunity
The Bible tells us that we are to make the most of every opportunity.
“Walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
The reason we need to be careful in how we live, “walk circumspectly,” and redeem the time, or to take advantage of every opportunity, is because Satan, our adversary, is taking advantage of every opportunity he has to mess us up.
After Satan was soundly and roundly defeated by Jesus; failing to tempt Him to sin while in the wilderness it says:
“Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:13)
To say this more succinctly, the devil’s all about opportunity. He will do whatever it takes whenever he can to get us to stumble and fall into sin. When Satan smells blood, He pounces and devours.
With this in mind, the Apostle Peter gives us this piece of advice.
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.” (1 Peter 5:8-9a)
And the promise is that when we resist him by standing firm in the faith that the Lord God of all grace will restore us, making us strong, firm, and steadfast, 1 Peter 5:10.
Jesus called Satan a thief saying, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
Let’s therefore trust ourselves to Jesus, our Good Shepherd, and surrender ourselves fully to Him, standing firm in your faith, resisting the devil’s advances, never giving him an opportunity to attack.
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
But we always need to stay alert and at the ready because Satan will only stay away until he sees a more opportune time to attack.