"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
James 4:7-8 NKJV
If we allow him to, the devil will hoodwink us; he will mislead us causing us to take the wrong road or decision. The definition of hoodwink is to deceive or trick. This seems very apt when considering the devil's tactics. Hoodwink is also another form of being blindfolded. To blindfold someone, is to hinder them from seeing. This gives us an insight into the behaviour of Satan.
When Jesus was in the desert, Satan approached Him saying twice, 'If You are the Son of God.' Matthew 4:3 & 6. Then in verse 9, he had the audacity to say, 'All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.' Now, Jesus would have been tired, hungry and thirsty as He struggled in His humanity but, He was still very much alert. Peter says in 1 Peter 5:8-9 'Be sober, be vigilant ; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith.' It is imperative that we remain alert and ready for any attack that may come against us. This is not a game, it is war.
Let us back up to Genesis 3. There we find the serpent (Satan) saying to Eve, 'Has God indeed said, "You shall not eat of every tree in the garden?" v1 Then again in v 4-5, 'You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.' He is a liar, a hoodwinker and deceiver. Be very careful what you read, listen to and watch.
The serpent was then silent because God entered the scene. Take note of this, Satan remains silent when God is around, confirming that as we draw near to God, He draws near to us (James 4:7-8). By doing this, we establish that we have resisted the devil and he has to flee from our presence.
We should never drop our guard because, as we've read, the devil walks about like a roaring lion. He's not a lion, he only tries to give that impression however, he can still do us some damage if we are not prepared. Check out what you read; what anyone tells you, especially if someone says to you, 'God has given me a word for you.' Check it out and weigh it up, don't just accept it straightaway. Just be polite and tell the person that you will pray about it.
This may all appear to be cloak and dagger stuff but, we are soldiers on active service in God's army. Therefore ensure that your weapon is in working order - your bible, and that you have enough ammunition - the knowledge of God's Word inside you. Don't be hoodwinked.
Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard
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