Luke 4

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them He was hungry. ‭‭Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In general, the Holy Spirit helps us, comforts us, and guides us to make the right decisions throughout our lives.  However, just like Jesus, sometimes we will be led by the Holy Spirit into situations that are difficult, painful, and even full of temptation.  1 Peter 4:12 says “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”  Going through hard times in life can strengthen our faith and bring us closer to God.  Trusting scripture, listening to the Holy Spirit, and praying for courage and perseverance will help us conquer the trials of life.  We also need to ask God what we are supposed to learn during these difficult times, and we need to have faith that He will help us overcome them.  Remember this awesome promise: “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all” (Psalms 34:19).

When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left Him until an opportune time. ‭‭Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The devil was defeated momentarily, but would try to tempt Jesus again at a more “opportune time.”  Satan will never leave us alone for good, which is why the apostle Peter warns us to “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).  We should always remain watchful and prepared, especially when we are going through trials in life and are therefore more vulnerable.  We also need to ask God to help us discern the difference between the twisted words of the enemy and the truth of God.  If we can recognize the lies that Satan puts in our minds, then it will be much easier to block them or ignore them before they gain a foothold in our lives.  “Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).  When we devote our lives to God, we develop a spirit of thankfulness in all circumstances, we are humbled by His mercy and grace, and we have the protection of the full armor of God (see Ephesians 6:10-18).   Amen!