_FOILING THE ENEMY'S PLOTS_
LUKE xxii. 24-34.
I do not meet my tempter alone. The engagement has been foreseen by my
Lord. "_Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired to have you!_" The tempter's
plots, and wiles, and ambuscades are all clearly perceived. My Lord has
got the enemy's maps, and his plan of campaign, for all things are open to
the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. I do not fight a lonely warfare
on a dark and unknown field. My Lord Himself both scouts and fights for
those who are His own.
And one great means of His co-operation is the mighty ministry of
intercession. "_But I have prayed for thee._" That "but" is the massing of
the forces of heaven against the black and subtle hordes of hell. Let me
ever remember that the Lord's prayers are always the conveyers of holy
power to those for whom He prays. It is as when Christian met Apollyon in
the Valley of Humiliation: there comes a sudden accession of strength to
the bleeding warrior, and Apollyon retires wounded and beaten from the
field.
And the only way to preserve the fruits of a triumph is by helping other
warriors to gain a similar conquest. "_When thou art converted strengthen
thy brethren._" I shall retain the hard, muscular limbs of a soldier if I
am willing to share my blood with the entire army.