How not to lose it in time of distress depends on two things.
First, Jesus is here to help those who are tempted.
“ For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2: 18).
Second, there are 3 truths we should hold onto:
- My life is in God alone;
- I live to worship and serve God; and
- My life is a precious gift from God.
With those two points in mind, let us begin with the first one about Jesus. Was Jesus tempted? Why was He tempted?
Luke 4: 1-3 (as well Matthew 4: 1-11 ) describes Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness and that is the main scripture we are referring to in this post.
Of course, Jesus was tested and tempted throughout His life and ministry in addition to what took place at the beginning of His ministry. The Pharisees and Priests were the ones who did it several times trying to trap Him.
His temptation in the wilderness is characteristic of what we go through, as humans, and therefore provides practical ways we should handle every trial that comes our way.
My life is in God alone
According to the four gospels in the New Testament, temptations to do evil come from the devil who tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Knowing that Jesus was hungry, he wanted Jesus to transform stones into bread (verses 2-5).
Jesus’ response, throughout his forty days and nights in the wilderness, was based on Scripture.
When it came to changing stones into bread, His answer was: “man shall not live by bread alone” (verse 4). In Matthew, it says: “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4: 4).
Life does not truly derive from bread or anything else rather than God!
God is the Giver of every life!
In other words, we find life, movement and our being only in God (Acts 17: 28).
Knowing that life is in God, nothing that troubles cannot really affect us becaus we are hidden in God.
I live to worship and serve God
The next trial Jesus had to face was around the purpose for living.
When the devil wanted to give Him a wrong perception about the meaning of life, Jesus would respond again with God’s Word.
He said to the devil: “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve” (verse 8).
The devil’s offer was that we can have all what you want and get it right now. That is not always true. However, this has unfortunately become a part of our society today in the West and around the world.
You can get everything if you put your heart to it and in your own time. That is not what the Bible is telling us though.
An example is that of Peter writing: “humble yourselves under the mighty hands of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” (1 Peter 5: 6).
Worship is to surrender everything unto God. It affects every aspect of who we are. In other words, worship is not just what we do on Sundays or Wednesdays in worship. It is not just the time we spend in prayer or study of God’s word.
Everything we are, have and do should be about worship and service to God.
Jesus does not separate worship and service for the reason that we live to worship and serve God.
My life is a precious gift from God
Life is a precious gift we have received from God!
Lastly, the devil took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and asked him to throw himself down. His argument was that God would send angels to carry Jesus so that he could not get hurt (verses 9-12).
Jesus chose not to test God or even hurt Himself. His response was: “you shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (verse 12).
[bctt tweet=”Because life is a gift of God to us, we are expected to care for our mind, soul and body!”]
[bctt tweet=”Prayer strengthens our relationship with God and equips us to overcome temptations. “] In Luke 22: 46 as Jesus talks to the disciples asking them to be alert and keep praying in order to withstand temptations.
[bctt tweet=”Study and knowledge of God’s word feed the soul as well as the mind.”] Jesus, throughout His temptations in the wilderness, used God’s Word to respond to what the devil was offering Him. Read, read and read the Bible!
Last, we should take care of our body. Scripture says that our body does not belong to us. It is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6: 19). So, watch what you eat. Exercise as often as you can. And make sure you get enough sleep. God needs you and I.
God needs you and I as healthy as possible in order to worship and serve Him!
So, here is what you should say to yourself every morning and evening:
- My life is in God alone,
- I live to worship and serve God,
- My life is so precious that I have, by all means, to take care of my mind, soul and body!
No matter what comes your way, you will always come out as a winner if you hold onto the three truths about your life!
This post was based on the sermon, In the Wilderness, delivered at the United Methodist church in Harris and Lake Park on Sunday, February 14 2016 by Pastor Emmanuel.
Listen to the full Audio Sermon 
