Paul wrote to the Corinthians that we must not let Satan outwit us, for "we are not unaware of his schemes" (2 Corinthians 2:11). Unfortunately many of us are unaware of his schemes and therefore we make his job easy. I want to point out some common ways that Satan gets a foot in the door, and I ask you to pray that God will show you where Satan is trying to get in your door.
First, Satan will try to get to us through our unmet needs. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, Satan came at him in a time of need. Jesus was physically hungry and so Satan worked on his physical need—"turn these stones to bread," he said to Jesus. Do you have some physical need right now? Perhaps it's a health problem. If you stay focused on the need instead of on Jesus, that need will consume your mind and you're open to Satan's deception.
Another unmet need that he often uses is our need for recognition and self-esteem. Satan tried that tactic with Jesus, too, by promising Him authority and splendor if first Jesus would worship Satan. Do you have a real need for recognition and reward? Maybe you've not been affirmed very much, and you have a big need to feel significant. If you become focused on that need, you will be very vulnerable to Satan's deception. You'll find yourself willing to lower your standards and start worshiping other gods to try to get that recognition.
Satan also tried to tempt Jesus with power, and if you're looking for power in your life, it could be a door you're opening to let Satan in. We all want to feel like we're in control, but when we feel most in control, with the most power, we are most likely to fall. We must continually recognize our weakness and our complete inability to make it on our own. Beware when you think you're standing, Paul wrote, because when you think you are standing firm, you are most likely to fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).
What unmet needs are in your life right now? For ten years I was obsessed with my unmet need—my desire to be married. And because that was more important to me than anything else, Satan got his foot in the door big time. If your eyes are on your unmet need, your door is open to Satan.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, not on your unmet need. Keep focused on His love for you; spend time with Him; stay in first love with Jesus. Get your eyes off of yourself and whatever unmet need you have, and keep fixing your eyes on Jesus. Pray Hebrews 12:2 into your life today: I will fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Satan will have a hard time getting in your door if you keep praying that verse.
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