In Luke 4, Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit. This was the testing ground for Jesus prior to the official beginning of his ministry. You’ve probably heard your fair share of messages about the temptations Jesus endured in the wilderness, but it can be difficult to understand how it applies to your own life.
At the end of His 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, Jesus was hungry. He had a valid, physical need and the enemy used this as an opportunity to tempt Jesus to miraculously turn stones into bread. The devil knew that Jesus had the power to do it. The need Jesus had was very real and no one could blame Him for being tempted to give in, however, He made a decision to deny Himself.
When you are faced with temptation, it is easy to turn stones into bread. Your temptation may be in the form of an opportunity, a relationship, an immediate solution to your problem or even what appears to be an answer to prayer. That is why you need to ask for wisdom and discernment when faced with difficult choices. If the answer is too easy and too convenient, it is probably not from God. If you feel pressured and anxious to do it, it is probably not from God. If your emotions are overwhelmingly in favour of doing it, it is probably not from God.
Before rushing into something you may regret, step back from the situation and wait for confirmation. God’s answers sometimes take longer than you’re willing to wait, but they are always worth waiting for. When it comes to prayer, microwaving is not an option. True answers to prayer are usually simmered to perfection in God’s slow cooker.
Your physical needs are often the most urgent of all temptations. Accompanied by emotional needs, the lust of the flesh can drive us to the point of no return. Whatever your needs are today, you can make a decision to trust God. He is not only your Provider, but your Provision. As you become honest and transparent with Him, He will meet your needs at a much deeper level than the physical.
After Jesus resisted temptation in the wilderness, His Father opened doors to the most powerful ministry Earth had ever witnessed. Jesus said you would do even greater things. As you submit your needs and your will to the Father, He will strengthen you to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him. Then, He will open doors for you to reach, touch and change the world with the power of His Spirit within you.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).