When a robbery takes place, the first thing the thief does is over power the victim. They tie them up, cover their eyes and tape their mouth shut! Once the thief has incapacitated them, he takes everything they have.
In Matthew 12:29, Jesus used the illustration of being tied up so a robbery could take place. Satan ties us up and robs us of living a life fully for Christ.; but only when we let him be the ‘strong man’.
Life has many ongoing dramas that satan tries to use to keep me from an intimate relationship with Jesus. Everyday stuff, like financial setbacks, sickness and difficult relationships, are all part of the devils robbery tool kit.
When satan can “tie me up” worrying about things or being angry about some person or event that has come against me, he has taken my eyes off of Jesus. When the cares of life assault me, it’s easy to set my relationship with Jesus aside and focus on ‘fixing’ whatever the crisis is.
When I set aside prayer and Bible study, I weaken my defenses and the ‘strongman’, the devil, holds me captive. I cannot move forward, the ‘robber’ blinds my eyes so I don’t see truth and covers my mouth so I can’t witness.
In my humanity, I often don’t recognize satan as the thief; blaming people, circumstances and events instead of the actual culprit. The scripture says that evil is the reason for our problems (Ephesians 6:12), yet, we blame everything but the devil!
So, how do we stop being a victim of this crafty robber? By recognizing satan as the culprit (II Corinthians 2:11). Realize we are not alone, everybody faces “stuff”, (II Corinthians 1:3-7). When we realize that uncomfortable life situations are part of life; but in Christ, it works out (John 16:33), satan begins to lose his grip.
Through continued Bible study and prayer, even when we are under attack; we can overcome the wiles of satan and not be held captive. Even though ‘stuff’ doesn’t feel good ‘now’, in time, everything, good and bad, works through to be to our good (Romans 8:28).
We are not ignorant of satan’s tricks (II Corinthians 2:10-11)! Let’s not look at the situation; choosing instead to look at the scripture (Romans 8:38-39).
NOTHING can separate us from the love of God; UNLESS WE LET IT. We can’t always control circumstances but we can control our response to circumstances. Satan can only tie us up and rob us if we let him!
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.