Experiencing Jesus Together Through LentSample

Day 20:
Scripture:
But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God,” Matthew 4:4 NLT

A Call To: Meditate

Have you ever fasted from anything for 40 days? Depending on what you are fasting from, the temptation to break your fast is real. A couple of years ago the Lord asked me to do a 40 day Daniel Fast. I was unsure of how I would complete this since I was so used to drinking coffee every morning and loved sweets, especially chocolate!  As the fast progressed, I was amazed at the grace that God had given me to go without coffee or sweets. There were still temptations to break my fast, and I caved one time, but I do believe that His grace is sufficient for us! Because of this experience, I have incorporated fasting more regularly into my life.

I often thought of Jesus when he was fasting in the wilderness for 40 days, only consuming water and having the enemy constantly provoking Him. He didn’t have the comfort of His home or distractions to take His mind off of what He didn’t have. His convictions were strong. Between the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, He was able to overcome all that the enemy threw His way.

I have given in too often to my flesh more than I would like to admit. As I have let the Word of God renew my mind and transform my perspective, saying no has become less of a struggle. Discovering the grace that God provides is life changing. It truly takes the pressure off of feeling the need to be perfect. Allowing the Holy Spirit to minister to my heart and heal the broken places of my life adds another level of confidence in what God is capable of doing in my life.

Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that Jesus understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. Let’s be believers that are sustained by the Word of God to satisfy our temptations. He will help us overcome the temptations in our lives. 

Reflection:

Is there an area of your life where you are needing Jesus’ help to over come an area of temptation? Invite Jesus into this area of your life. Ask Him if there are any lies that you are believing around this temptation and then ask Him for the truth and how He sees you. 

Praise + Prayer:
Father,
I thank You that we don’t have to overcome temptations on our own. I thank You for Your grace. I thank You that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are always with me and that I’m never alone in my weakness. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and let the Fruits of Your Spirit be more evident in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.