One thing I love about Jesus is that He is the ultimate example of ‘how to do life’. Not only can we be assured that He personally understands whatever we are enduring, He also provides an answer either through scripture or by example
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| Source: Heartlight |
We see in Matthew 4:1-11 that Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days and nights. He had the attention of the devil and was in a position of weakness, physically, due to His fasting.
Personally, if I go food shopping on an empty stomach, I am the epitome of no self-control. I'll throw in the trolley whatever looks good right there and then. Oh and the snacks probably far outweigh the actual meal ingredients! This is also notably a costly way to shop.... So what am I getting at? Well, how was Jesus able to show the self-control that He did during those 40 days and nights and remain pure? He clung firmly to His Father in heaven, drawing on His strength. He remained in prayer, sustaining His deep relationship with the Father. He applied scripture to His circumstances and spoke it out. Jesus had total faith in the scriptures and in His father above. He stood firm.
One thing I love about Jesus is that He is the ultimate example of ‘how to do life’. Not only can we be assured that He personally understands whatever we are enduring, He also provides an answer either through scripture or by example. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us, ‘No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it’. When Jesus had spent His time in the desert, Angels came and tended to Him. What a blessing that must have been! What a reward for standing firm!
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| Source: Lanie's Blog |
Ephesians 6:10-18 reminds us, day by day, then we head into battle fully prepared: ‘Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people’.
May God bless and enrich your life
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