I once heard the story of two boxing champions scheduled to fight at a later date. As part of the strategy for winning, one of the boxers sent thugs to physically assault his opponent just a few days to the match. By the time the match was to take place, the other person was not fit enough to give the fight what it required. You can already guess the outcome. This reminded me of the same strategy the devil uses against people today.
Friend, the devil does not attack strength. He only attacks weakness (Luke 22:31-32). Listen, you can call the devil any other name, but never make the mistake of calling him stupid. Calling the devil stupid already means you are a joker yourself. The devil is never stupid. He is very smart and strategic (Genesis 3:1-6). He knows what he’s doing. Unfortunately, many believers don’t know what they are doing.
The devil is strategic in his operations. He won’t attack you when you are strong. He attacks when you are weak. He does everything in his power to weaken you so he can attack you (2 Corinthians 2:11). Therefore, don’t allow any weakness in your life that would make you vulnerable to the devil. Don’t be emotionally weak or unstable while thinking that you would survive sexual temptations (2 Samuel 11:1-5).
I heard this while growing up that seven prayerless days make one weak. You cannot continue to be prayerless and think you stand a chance to survive the assault and onslaught of the devil (2 Samuel 3:1). Notice that Jesus’ moment of temptation was preceded by periods of intense prayers and fasting (Luke 4:1-13). But for the disciples, it was periods of sleeping and feasting. No wonder they fell in the hour of temptation (Matthew 26:36-54).
Prayerlessness is a spiritual emergency, and it must be treated as such (Hebrews 12:12-13). Never explain it away. Don’t give the excuse of your busy schedule or the circumstances around your life. There is no justification whatsoever for spiritual laxity (Romans 12:11). If you consider prayer important to your health and strength, you would make it a top priority no matter what. The devil does not attack strength. He only attacks weakness.
When you notice that you are weak, either spiritually or emotionally, run to where you can find strength. Get to God’s presence in prayers and fellowship (Hebrews 4:15-16). Connect with the right relationships. Get to church (Psalms 84:7). You are as strong as your relationship network. What actually killed Uriah was not the forefront of the hottest battle. It was the valiant men that withdrew from him (2 Samuel 11:15-17). Who or what have you withdrawn from that has made you vulnerable lately? Think about it.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria