On Top of The World?

In Matthew 11, Jesus goes out into a barren place after being blessed in the waters of batism. The sound of God's voice from heaven rang out “You are my beloved Son." Next, the Spirit of God leads him into the wilderness. We don't think of the Holy Spirit leading like that. How often, however, have i met people who have a profound spiritual experience only to be then faced with a difficulty that they would have never imagined. They wonder, "why did God let this happen after I just gave my heart to Him?" We like to think the Enemy only has access to us when we are disobedient. But here, Jesus shows us that his strength is found in God's Word not circumstances.

For all of us, temptation usually doesn’t show up when we’re strong and steady. It shows up when we’re stressed, lonely, burned out, insecure, or scrolling at 1 a.m.

The enemy doesn’t tempt us with obviously evil things. He tempts with shortcuts.

Most temptation sounds reasonable. Even compassionate. Even logical.

And notice this: Jesus doesn’t argue. He doesn’t panic. He doesn’t power through. He responds with Scripture—repeats it as the truth He already trusts.

The Enemy - “Just turn the stones into bread.” Jesus' Response: "It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’" (Deuteronomy 8:3).

The Enemy -“Just prove yourself.” Jesus' Response: "It is also written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test’" (Deuteronomy 6:16).

The Enemy -“Just take control.”Jesus' Response: "Depart from me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve’" (Deuteronomy 6:13)

Temptation isn’t proof that you’re failing. It’s an opportunity to return to the foundation of truth that God has equipped you wiht. Temptation isn't proof that you are week. It is an opportunity to find strength from the indwelling of Christ.

Lent is a season that we can begin to reflect. When are you most vulnerable? When do you reach for something that promises comfort but leaves you emptier?

God doesn’t shame you for being tempted. God meets you there—with strength you didn’t know you had.

Practice for the week: Identify one vulnerable moment in your day. Search the scriptures before it happens, repeat the words to yourself as you face the hardship..