Seeds In The Core

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (Matthew 4:1)

I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. (Psalm 119:25)

During Sunday’s sermon Pastor Sam quoted First Corinthians 10:13:

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.

Do we believe this?

If so, then we can walk through our wilderness experience with joy and peace in our hearts. As our pastor shared on Sunday, God knows the strengths He has given us, and He knows the level of testing that we are able to endure. As we bear the temptations we face, without giving in, we become aware of what Heaven already knows: It’s not an easy road, but he can handle it. It’s a painful process, but she can handle it.

But, what of the persons who don’t want to submit to the process? Pastor Sam said, concerning ancient Israel, “A whole generation was buried in the wilderness.” As we look back through the story of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, it is amazing to see how the celebration of crossing the Red Sea quickly turned into a series of complaints and doubts concerning God’s power to act on behalf of His people. Only two men, Joshua and Caleb, endured and overcame the temptation. That generation’s repeated failure to honor God eventually led to their forfeiture of entry into the promised land.

Today, we face the same temptation. We are tempted to look God in the face, conscious of all He has done for us, and in His presence dare to make declarations of what He cannot do, or what He ought to do. “Well, it’s getting late and I can’t wait for You anymore.” “I know You can do anything, but I don’t see You doing anything.” “God, I don’t want to walk the path You set before me; I’m gonna take this other road.” “God, You made a mistake.” These are the seeds in the core of temptation. It is what Jesus faced in His wilderness experience, and it is what we face today.

In this Lenten season, God is encouraging us through His word and through the leaders He has blessed us with. Here is the word: Submit to My process. Endure the trial. I will be with you. You will overcome.

Walk through the wilderness, knowing that God’s grace is available every step of the way.

Suggested additional reading: James chapter 1

All Scripture references are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.