Temptation

What happened after Jesus was tempted in the wilderness? We find out that he returned from the wilderness in the Power of the Spirit. What does that mean? Sometimes we question why God would allow temptation into our lives, why doesn't he just take it away? You'd find that answer in Luke 4:14, and Hebrews 4:15. God allows trials and temptations into our lives so we can have the joy that comes in trusting in him. He allows trials and temptations into our lives because when we lean on him, we come out stronger than we were before, EVERY time. So next time you're being tempted, remember that God gives you a way out, and in that way out, you'll find yourself more resilient. It isn't a sin to be tempted, it is who we run to in the temptation that matters. We can know God has a valuable reason for the trials we are facing. Satan seeks to harm. He wants to take us down. God’s intention is always for believers to emerge from a trial better than when they started, either in strength or in knowledge. Safe is neither the pathway to strength nor revelation.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, Ephesians‬ ‭2:4‬ ‭NIV‬

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. Luke 4:14 NIV

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Hebrews‬ ‭4:15‬ ‭NIV‬

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John‬ ‭4:9‭-‬10‬ ‭NIV‬

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Acts‬ ‭5:3‬ ‭NIV‬

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭NIV‬

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. 1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:13‬ ‭NIV‬

 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”‭ Luke‬ ‭22:31‭-‬32‬ ‭NIV‬