Most organizations study trends. If someone is in the real estate business, they may study the market, and more often than not, they can determine if it is a seller's or buyer's market. They may even be able to predict how the market will progress throughout the year. Have you ever wondered if you could pinpoint or predict certain seasons or times when the enemy may try to distract you? You may not be able to predict certain seasons that he may launch his attacks against you, but you may be able to pinpoint how he may distract you. I believe the enemy studies people. He may know what things can trip a person up. If someone gives up alcohol and they're trying to live a clean life, there is a high probability that the enemy may try to attack them in this area. He may send a friend who may ask, "Hey, do you want to go have drinks." The person may rebut with a "No." The enemy may send another person, maybe a coworker, this time inviting them to a gathering where there is alcohol. Perhaps this time, the person is thinking about going to the gathering. That person has a choice to make whether they will attend that gathering or pass on it. all together. In both of these examples, the enemy used people to get this person who gave up alcohol to fall back into their old patterns. The key is to be on guard and recognize his schemes.

We may not necessarily be able to predict his seasons of attack, but we can identify trends in the vices he uses to attack. Let's say, for instance, someone decided to take a break from shopping because they have an addiction.

A cousin calls this individual and invites them to shop at the mall. Maybe the individual passes on the invitation. Then perhaps a coworker calls the individual, and they pass on the invitation again. The individual wants these nice shoes that they saw on social media, and a friend calls the individual, and they take the bait and end up spending their rent money. Although you may not be able to determine specific dates or times, it's essential to be on guard and recognize when the enemy is trying to trip you up and don't fall for the okie doke.

In Matthew 4, the devil appealed to Jesus a few times. He didn't just try to trip him up one time; no, he kept coming back to see if he could trip Jesus up, and each time, Jesus hit him with the word.

"2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.3 The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."

4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' [b]"

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:

"'He will command his angels concerning you,

     and they will lift you up in their hands,

     so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' [c]"

7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' [d]"

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."

10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' [e]"

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him." (NIV)

The next time you sense the enemy trying to get you to fall, hit him with the word and keep hitting him with the word till he leaves. 1 Peter tells us to be on guard.

"8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (NIV)

I want to encourage you to find out what's trending. What has the enemy been trying to trip you up with? Please pay attention to his schemes and tricks and guard yourself against them.