Years ago when I had major surgery, my doctor hesitated to tell me everything that could go wrong and exactly how tough my recovery could be. He was concerned if I knew the difficulties I might face, I’d be too frightened or discouraged to go through with a procedure I needed. During our conversation, I told him I’d rather know what to expect, than be blindsided by complications I didn’t know how to handle.
In our daily journey with God, we have an enemy. But our Heavenly Father loves us so much, He doesn’t want us to be caught off guard by our opponent. Click To TweetIn our daily journey with God, we have an enemy. But our Heavenly Father loves us so much, He doesn’t want us to be caught off guard by our opponent. He warns us about potential attacks and temptation, to prepare us to face them. Scripture states, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, NIV)
In Matthew 4:1-11, we read about Jesus being targeted and tempted by the devil. Jesus had just been baptized. The Holy Spirit had descended on Him, and a voice from heaven confirmed His identity and calling. (Matthew 3:13-17)
Then the Holy Spirit led Him to the wilderness. There He remained, by Himself, and after forty days of fasting and praying, He was hungry. That’s when the enemy came to tempt Him—when Jesus was isolated and alone, tired and physically starving.
As I examine my life, I see a similar pattern. When I’m tired or hungry—spiritually, physically, or for friendship and fellowship—I’m vulnerable. When I have a physical need, or after something wonderful has happened. When I forget to stay alert to the evil one’s schemes.
In the wilderness, the devil tempted Jesus to meet His need for food. He then tested God’s faithfulness by asking Jesus to do something dangerous and foolish—jump from the highest point of the temple—and expect God to keep Him safe. And finally, he challenged Jesus to worship satan in exchange for power, wealth, and fame.
What does the devil entice me with? By luring me to hide parts of myself from God. To quit doing good things. To stop trying. To self-preserve. To hold onto annoyance and frustration until they threaten to become festering anger. To give up praying about challenges or for someone in need. To stop encouraging others. To comfort myself with things other than God’s presence, love, and truth.
The other day, he even tempted me to buy and eat a whole can of cinnamon rolls! I almost reached for comfort food instead of taking my needs and stress to God and reaching for Him in worship.
How is the enemy enticing you today? Ask God to help you be aware of the many ways the devil tries to distract you from God’s best, for less than God has for you as His daughter in Christ. Click To TweetHow is the enemy enticing you today? What help do you need from the Holy Spirit to fight temptation today?Ask God to help you be aware of the many ways the devil tries to distract you from God’s best, for less than God has for you as His daughter in Christ.
