Luke 4: 1 – 4 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the dessert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of time he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone.’”
Jesus went to spend time in prayer and fasting with God, his father. We read that Satan came and tempted him during the forty days. It is little wonder that as believers we have temptations and interruptions that seem endless. We are born into sin, live in a sinful world and struggle with every day issues that can totally distract us. We begin to slack off on scripture reading, prayer, gathering together with other believers and listening to the leading of God. We begin to really lose our focus on the Lord and before long we are totally distracted from what we are called to. It usually isn’t as dramatic as an offer of changing stones to bread. It is usually small things. Satan is deceptive in distraction. The more distracted people become, the less likely they will hear and understand the call of Salvation. Believers are less likely to fulfill the call of God and will likely fall short of their God-given destiny if they don’t recognize what is happening.
Jesus defeated Satan during these attacks by quoting scripture and leaning into God. We are called to be like Jesus. Psalm 119: 9 – 11 How can a young man (people) keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
As we learn to defeat Satan’s attacks to distract and lead us astray, we must be mindful of another tactic. Luke 4: 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
We understand by this verse that we will be under attack at any point in our life. Likely during some of our most intimate times with the Lord. As we walk out our lives here on earth, we need to recognize that we are continually vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. Anyone thinking they are above temptation; then no doubt distractions will come, attention will divert and sinful danger will approach. Victory over sin is found in the Shed Blood of Jesus. Jesus died to save sinners. Recognizing our fallen state and calling on Jesus is the start for a more victorious life. We are told to be on the alert: I Peter 5: 8 – 11 Be self – controled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.