There are situations the devil uses to put us down, but that is only if we let him. It is high time we left him holding the can. When he expects you to be wracked with worry and incapable of thanksgiving or worship, do just that; retreat into deep worship for the Lord.

When the devil has saddled you with self-loath and condemnation, retreat into God's word and profess your love for God and His love for you. When the devil is sure he has thrown you so off-balance and you can no longer go before God, shock him by fellowshipping and congregating.

There is a time when the devil's 'jokes' were all about my car on Sunday mornings. I would wake up one Sunday with a flat tyre when I was already all dressed to go, then the following Sunday the jalopy would inexplicably refuse to start. On those occasions, my reaction would be, "By the time I am done here, it will be probably too late to catch the service, anyway."

And I would proceed to change clothes and postpone service. Then one Sunday, I took one look at the flat tyre (again!) and headed for the taxi stage and went to church. That was the last Sunday morning trick he tried in a looooong time.

I often tell my friends, I won't let the devil cramp my style. If I want to give, I will give regardless whether there is scarcity in my own life or not. If I want to go out looking smashing on a given day, then amen, whether I had an awful night or not; whether my purse is happy or sad; whether my debts are trying to drown me or not.

After all, even the Bible says, all things happen for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28). And: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). So, for that joy that lies ahead, stay unpredictable to the devil and for now, live and let live!