God Knows…When My Life’s a Struggle – Part 3
When Jesus was about 30 years old, word reached Nazareth that a prophet at the Jordan River was telling people that they would soon see the Savior. This prophet was John the Baptist. He urged the people to feel sorry for their sins and stop doing wrong, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” When people repented, John baptized them in the Jordan River.
One day, Jesus approached John and asked to be baptized. When Jesus came out of the water, the sky opened and people heard God’s voice saying, “This is My beloved Son!” The Holy Spirit descended like a dove and rested upon Jesus. Seeing this, John the Baptist was filled with wonder. Pointing to Jesus, he said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
The Devil Fails
Then Jesus went to a wilderness area to be alone and to talk with His heavenly Father. But Satan followed Him. Satan saw it as a perfect opportunity to tempt Jesus. Remember, he was trying everything in his power to make Jesus sin.
During 40 days of payer Jesus went without food. Satan showed up, disguised as an angel from heaven, and suggested, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus did not need to prove His identity to Satan. He answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” This was a verse Jesus had learned from Scripture (Deuteronomy 8:3).
Satan confronted Jesus with two more fierce temptations. Each time, Jesus fought back with the Word of God, “It is written.” After Satan’s third tempting offer, Jesus said, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve’” (Matthew 4:10). Satan had to leave; he had failed. Jesus had won the battle. Satan had demanded miracles to prove that Jesus was the son of God, but Jesus’ firm stand on Scripture was a greater sign.
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The only thing in our world upon which we can totally rely is the Word of God. When we understand the power of God’s promises and the love in His commands, we will obey His word, and trust His promises. Even if we don’t know where our next meal is coming from. Even if our life is in danger. When your life’s a struggle, hang on to God’s hand by trusting His Word. He will see you to victory.
Where to find the story: Matthew 3-4, Mark 1, Luke 2-4, and John 1
Your Story Hour
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For more information about this ministry please visit their website YourStoryHour.org or listen to their radio program on OnePlace.com.