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Vulnerable Times
Proverbs 7:5
"That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words."
Everybody will be vulnerable to sin and Satan's attack. It does not matter how strong or great of a Christian you are, there will be some times when your will be more vulnerable than other times. It is very important for you to know when these vulnerable times are so that you won't be destroyed by Satan's attack.
Proverbs 7 teaches us the importance of keeping God's Word and understanding It so It can keep us away from the vulnerable times. One of the vulnerabilities of most people is that of the opposite sex. Though this is not the only area where people can be vulnerable, if you will learn how to help yourself in this situation it will also apply to other areas of your life.
The first time of vulnerability is at night. You will notice in verse 9 that the young man was walking around "in the black and dark night:" Very little good is ever accomplished when someone is roaming the streets late at night. A lot of young people get into trouble by being out late at night. No matter what your age, you should be very careful about being out late at night.
Second, when you are alone you are very vulnerable. In verse 7, you see that the young man was alone. You must guard your mind and what you do in your alone times. It is during your alone times that your character weaknesses will be revealed. You will do things when you are alone that you would never do in public. Watch yourself when you are alone so that you don't succumb to sin.
Third, you are vulnerable when you are around the opposite sex. In verse 10, the young man met a harlot who was "subtil of heart." Though I don't believe every person will be subtil, I do believe that being alone with the opposite sex is very unwise. You should guard against being alone with the opposite sex so that you do not have to fight the temptations that come from being alone with them.
Fourth, when you are in an unfamiliar time of your life, you are vulnerable to Satan's attack. Be careful when you start new endeavors in life. It is in these times that Satan can cause you to make foolish decisions because you are unfamiliar with where you are in life.
Fifth, when you are spiritually wounded your are very vulnerable. The Scriptures say in verse 26, "For she hath cast down many wounded:..." When you have been spiritually wounded, you must take extra guard that you don't yield to temptation. When a Christian has attacked you, beware of temptation. When you are struggling as a Christian, beware of temptation. When sin has wounded you, beware not to yield to more sin.
Last, when you are physically weak you are vulnerable. Verse 26 can be applied to the spiritual side as well. When you are tired, you must watch that you don't yield to temptation. When you have been fighting sickness, you must be careful not to yield to temptation. When you feel physically weak for no apparent reason, watch yourself because you are vulnerable during this time.
Whether or not you believe this, Satan is out to destroy you. Watch yourself during these times of vulnerability so that Satan doesn't get the upper hand in your life.