Where Are You Empty?

by Max Lucado, from God Is With You Every Day

Jesus fasted for forty days and nights. After this, He was very hungry. The devil came to Jesus to tempt Him, saying, “If You are the Son of God, tell these rocks to become bread.” — Matthew 4:2–3

God loves you too much to leave you undeveloped and immature.
God disciplines us for our good that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. — Hebrews 12:10–11
Expect to be tested by the Devil. And watch for his tricks. You can know what to expect.

We are not ignorant of his schemes. — 2 Corinthians 2:11
When General George Patton counterattacked Field Marshal Rommel in World War II, Patton is reported to have shouted in the thick of battle, “I read your book, Rommel! I read your book!” Patton had studied Rommel’s Infantry Attacks. He knew the German leader’s strategy and planned his moves accordingly.1
We can know the same about the Devil.

We know Satan will attack weak spots first . Forty days of fasting left Jesus famished, so Satan began with the topic of bread. Jesus’ stomach was empty, so to the stomach Satan turned.

Where are you empty?

Are you hungry for attention, craving success, longing for intimacy? Be aware of your weaknesses. Bring them to God before Satan brings them to you.

Unmasking Satan: Understanding Satan’s Battle Plan and Biblical Strategies for Fighting Back (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 2001), 22.

Are you prepared for enemy attack? What are your weak spots, vulnerabilities, and obvious points of susceptibility to temptation? Today, let’s bring them before our Savior and ask Him to prepare our hearts for the battle from Satan that is sure to come. How are you preparing your heart for Easter during Lent?

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