This time of year is one of the greatest and most difficult for university students.  Somehow the pressure of finals, expectations for the summer, saying goodbye to friends and anticipating things to come fuse together to make the beginning of May one of the more intense times we walk through.  I know I feel that tonight as I sit in Deep Creek, Maryland and not The Kay Center at American University.  I love the chance to be up here but I would be lying if I said I hadn’t missed my friends at Georgetown and American today.

In the midst of all the transition, there’s something else at play.  This can be one of the times of the year when we are most vulnerable to Satan’s attacks.  He’s the master of getting us when we’re tired, drained and running on empty.  He’s a wimp – he doesn’t attack when we’re strong.  He waits until we’re drained.  He knows just when to strike with a “Hey, you really should _____ before you head home.  It’s your last chance.  Just once more.  You can make a fresh start in a few weeks.  Come on, it’s the end of the year.  Have a little fun.  Just live like everyone else.”

1 Peter 5: 8 warns us, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

That’s what’s on my heart tonight.  Be alert.  Stay strong.  Invite God to keep living His life through you.  That’s my prayer for all of us.