By the Strength of God 

   The world with all it's temptations and false gods press upon us bringing trial and difficulty to our life.  Satan doesn’t give up and never will.  He will continue to try us and tempt us in his efforts to pull us away from the Lord.

   In some ways experiencing the temptations of the evil one is a good thing.  There is no need for him to continue tempting those who are already in his camp; he has won them over.  Those who try to remain faithful, to trust in God and His plan are the primary targets of Satan and his evil plots.

   Overcoming his temptations builds in us a stronger faith in God.  When we are sorely tempted and God gives us the strength to resist it is more evidence of His great love for us.  He will never abandon us in our times of trial, we can always turn to God and ask for the help to resist them.

   Even when we fail and fall victim to Satan’s ploys God remains with us.  He calls us to repentance, desiring to forgive us and restore us to His friendship.  The Lord waits for us to come to Him in sorrow, repenting of our sins and asking forgives.  “In just the same way I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15: 10).

   We are engaged in battle that will not end until we leave this world.  I believe that even at our dying breath Satan will be making one last effort to turn us from God.  We must remember the words of St. Peter, “Be sober and vigilant.  Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5: 8). 

I am tempted each day.

Satan tugs at me, trying to take me from You.

Only by Your strength can I reject him.

Give me that strength always. 

Amen