Satan is a strategist. His plans are well thought out and delegated to his dark forces with great precision.  For instance, let’s look back at his strategy for Judah Iscariot.  The evening meal was being served and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.  John 13:2  When it came time for Judas to betray Jesus, it was anything but spontaneous.  The devil ‘had already prompted it.’  He knew Judas’ story.  He witnessed his greed.  He saw the number of times Judas dipped into the group’s money bag to pad his own pockets.  If Jesus were to be betrayed for several dozen pieces of silver, there was one perfect candidate. The devil prompted Judas with the temptation long before the last supper.

Satan is a spy and studies your every move too. While you may not know him well, he knows you.  He takes advantage of your weaknesses and customizes temptations with the greatest chance of getting you to sin.  His strategic plan for you will not resemble what he conceives for anyone else. He is skilled at knowing how to match individual strategies with individual people.  He invents impressive plans to get us to cave to sin and abandon holiness.

We must see ourselves as the Holy Spirit gives us insight.  We must know our Achilles’ heel. Have you ever asked yourself, “In what area will I have the greatest chance of defeat if the perfect temptation came along?” 

If I am an alcoholic, I should avoid situations where people drink without limits.  If I thrive on gossip, I should steer clear of groups that find fault with those who can’t defend themselves.  If I am self-critical, I should limit the company of those who delight in tearing me down. I am not invincible. Since the enemy is a strategic planner, I need to be one as well ~ seeing the danger ahead of time and planning my steps accordingly.

We are not ignorant of the devil’s wiles.” 2 Corinthians 2:11  (The Greek word for wiles is strategy.)