Relying on the Lord

Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. Luke 4:1

It always seemed a little strange to me that the Holy Spirit would actually lead Jesus to be tempted in the wilderness. God never tempts us but He did allow Jesus to be tempted by the Devil. In fact He orchestrated it.

Why?
To show us through the example of Jesus how to handle temptation.

In every attempt Satan made to tempt Jesus there was one common denominator: To bypass God and provide for himself. The Devil was basically saying this, “Don’t do it God’s way, do it your way. Why wait on God when you can give to yourself right now.”

At the heart of all of our temptations is the pull to rely on ourselves. To get what we want, the way we want it, and when we want it. Immediate gratification and independence are at the core of all our sins.

So the next time you are tempted remember the responses of Jesus: 1. Man shall not live on bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. 2. You shall worship the Lord and serve Him only. 3. You shall not tempt the Lord Your God.

Learn from the way Jesus relied upon the Lord. The next time you are tempted, engage your faith and your obedience to worship God with your life!

Today’s prayer: “Lord forgive me for the times I have not relied upon You. Grant me the faith to take You at Your Word.”

Moving on Grace,
Pastor Gary