Good morning people who face temptation after wonderful times of spiritual experience

Jesus had just been baptised, had His Father speak incredible words of affirmation to Him from heaven, and was now following the leading of the Holy Spirit.

So what glorious moment comes next?

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

Don’t pretty this up. It means what it says and it is a difficult reality for us all at times.

But there is also another reminder that temptation itself is not wrong. In fact, as with the example of Jesus and many others, temptation is an opportunity to make a God-honouring choice, as well as an opportunity to develop and strengthen our spiritual authority.

But even with this knowledge, these times can be very draining. Look at what it says about Jesus after these forty days of prayer, fasting and temptation:

Matthew 4:11 NKJV Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

Don’t measure incorrectly:

Being tempted and having opposing desires to God is not evidence that you are off track.

Wrestling through your desires to a point of submission and surrender is not evidence that you are ungodly.

Being weary and needing ministry and refreshing is not evidence that something is wrong.

May we learn from and be encouraged by the example and life of Jesus. May we do what we need to do in order to walk as He walked.