When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. – Luke 4:13
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8
As we come to Luke 4:13, we find a sobering moment in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. After enduring 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, facing temptation after temptation from Satan himself, Jesus stands victorious. But notice, the devil doesn’t give up for good… he leaves only “until an opportune time.” This verse teaches us a vital lesson: the enemy is relentless, but through the power of God’s Word and the strength of Christ, we can overcome his schemes.
Let’s set the scene. Jesus was physically weak, hungry, and alone after 40 days without food. That’s when Satan struck, knowing full well that moments of vulnerability are prime opportunities for attack. The devil didn’t come with outright lies; no, he’s far too crafty for that. He quoted Scripture, twisting God’s Word to make his temptations sound reasonable, even appealing. But Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit and anchored in God’s truth, saw through the deception. With every temptation, He responded, “It is written,” using the pure, unadulterated Word of God to silence the enemy’s lies.
Friend, this is a picture of the spiritual battle we face today. Satan hasn’t changed his tactics. He waits for those moments when we’re worn down – maybe by stress, or grief, or a series of strong temptations – and he whispers lies that seem so convincing. He might even dress them up with a veneer of spirituality. But here’s the good news: just as Jesus overcame, so can we – by standing on the solid rock of God’s Word.
This also reminds us that the devil is persistent. He left Jesus, but only for a season, waiting for another “opportune time.” The same is true for us. The enemy will retreat when we resist him, but he’ll be back, looking for a moment when our guard is down. That’s why we must stay rooted in Scripture, prayer, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Knowing God’s Word is more than just memorizing verses… it’s allowing His truth to sink deep into your heart so you can discern the enemy’s lies and stand firm.
The same Word that sustained Jesus in the wilderness is available to you today. Cling to it, live by it, and trust that the One who overcame Satan lives in you. No matter how fierce the battle, God’s truth and Christ’s power will see you through. We stay strong by staying in God’s Word.
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Your Son, Jesus, who faced temptation and emerged victorious through Your Word and Your Spirit. Lord, equip me with Your truth, that I may stand firm against the enemy’s lies. Help me to stay vigilant, rooted in Scripture, and dependent on Your Spirit. Thank You that in Christ, I have the victory. In His holy name, Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 