"The Devil Leaveth"

"Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him." Matthew 4:11

"Then the devil leaveth him." When you are in times of temptation, it may feel like the devil has "camped out" in your house. You may begin to feel like he has moved in and become your constant companion. He doesn't seem to let up, but continuously keeps trying to get you to give in and wear you down. When Jesus faced the temptations in the wilderness, the devil did the same thing to Him. His temptations came "back to back"- one right after the other.

What did Jesus do when He was tempted? He submitted Himself to God, He resisted the devil steadfastly, He persevered, He kept His sword of the Spirit drawn (the word of God), and He stayed in the fight not giving in to the lies, accusations and temptations that were coming His way. Jesus was already in a physically weakened condition because of the fasting (and afterwards He was hungry), yet He did not let what was going on in His body hinder Him in fighting the spiritual battles that were before Him.

If the temptations are coming repeatedly and rapidly don't quit fighting, stay in the battle, don't give up or give in. If you continue to "stand your ground" the devil will eventually leave you-- just like he did Jesus. It's time we turn the tables on him and "wear him down" and cause him to want to quit. Be encouraged this morning-- though it may not seem like it you will come to a time when "the devil leaveth", just don't give up in the fight. You will be victorious- "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world"; you are already "more than a conqueror through Christ"; and victory has been promised to you.

Have a great day. It will come to an end, it won't last forever, the devil will leave you for a while.