January 30

The devil especially likes to tempt when the Christian is newly converted. No sooner is the child of grace born than this vicious dragon belches forth white-hot temptations upon him. The first cry of the new creature in Christ startles all the legions of hell. They are as troubled by it as Herod and Jerusalem were when the sat in council to take away the life of the newborn King. Satan did not hesitate to tempt the apostles while they were yet infants in Christ. He knew grace within was weak and the nourishment promised at the Spirit's coming had not yet arrived. Is an enemy ever more likely to take a town than when only the children are home? Indeed, the disadvantages are so many that we would despair for every babe in Christ if we did not know he is wrapped in covenant grace and held tightly in the strong arms of God's promise.

Another time Satan attacks is when the Christian is enduring some great affliction. Satan first got permission from God to weaken Job in his temporal estate, then he tempted him to impatience. He let Christ fast forty days before he came, and then fell to his enticing work-- just as an army blocks off a town and waits to negotiate until it is pinched for provisions and likely to agree to almost anything. If you wish to stand firm in the midst of suffering, forewarn yourself of this fact: Temptation is never stronger than when relief seems to dress itself in the very sin that Satan is suggesting. For example, suppose your family falls on hard times and you see no way out of your predicament. This is the very moment Satan will come to whisper in your ear, "What are you going to do? Surely God would not have your children starve! Your neighbor's garden is just beyond the hedge. He has enough and to spare. The night is dark. Who will see if you step across and take only what you need?"

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