What a frustration when you want to make your point by slamming the door on your way out, just to discover that it has one of those slow-closing-mechanisms on the other end.

Or the screaming two-year-old toddler that falls asleep, exhausted after all his tantrums did not move you one inch.

Do you still have at least one Pyrex dish in your kitchen cupboard? Those hardworking glassware from your granny’s granny’s era that can still take a good fall without breaking in a thousand pieces, or go into the hottest hot oven without melting.

These images filled my kilometres this week as my mind once again circled back to Matthew 4:

“The test was over. The Devil left.”

He tempted Jesus repeatedly. Not just once.

Eventually he realised it was of no use, he may as well get going.

That is why James can write these words with such power in the fourth chapter of his letter:

“Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

For James, brother of Jesus, had probably heard that this was possible, straight from the mouth of Jesus.

A few years ago a friend and I would meet up early on bright summer mornings to hit a few balls. Her deadliest weapon on the tennis court, to my mind, was her ability to return every single ball.

Every. Single. One.

Helena:  The Wall.

Whether the enemy tries to catch your fingers in the door of your Godly opportunity, or tries to drive you crazy with his constant nagging that you are not good enough …

Whether he pushes your Pyrex closer and closer to the edge of the kitchen island, or turns up the heat in your work relationships ..

Test you he will.  Whether any possibility of success exists or not.

If he cannot get you to let go of the hem of Jesus’ robe by stealing your health, he will try to destroy your wealth.

If that does not work, he will try to pry your hands off of Jesus and rather collect the fallen pieces of your broken heart.

Should you still not be prepared to betray Jesus, he would try to make you understand that no God of love would ever be willing or able to love someone like you.

And the lies and deception goes on and on and on.

But, because he is far from perfect, his patience is limited.

When he discovers that you are resisting every attempt with your new rhythm of consistant and steadfast perseverance, he will go looking for easier prey.

So, how does one resist with constant and steadfast perseverance?

“And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb

and because of the word of their testimony …”

Revelation 12:11 AMP

Jesus knew that his blood would eventually bring the victory, but the Word from his mouth would send Satan packing right there in and during the fight.

May we learn from the Best.

Your inspiration for the week: Keep my eyes up

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