Where Am I Vulnerable? (4)

We look today at the second area where Jesus was tempted.  We learn from His responses how to face our own tough times.  Does God care?  Jesus meets this temptation.

Temptation comes at tough times.  Times were tough for Jesus.  He was in human flesh. He was alone.  He was hungry.  He was tired.  He was vulnerable.  In 12-Step circles we've learned to give a heads up to individuals with the acronym H.A.L.T. (Hungry Angry Lonely Tired).  This acronym is meant to be a warning of great vulnerability.  Jesus was in a position of great vulnerability and the devil was questioning Jesus’ trust in God. The devil quoted scripture challenging Jesus to test God’s word.  He assured Jesus that if He is the Son of God, God has promised in His word to take care of Him so that He would not even strike his foot against a stone.  Jesus responds to the temptation with scripture in a truthful context:  “The Scriptures also say, ‘Do not test the Lord your God.’” (Matt. 4:7)

What does Jesus teach us by this action?  Testing God for the sake of proving His word is wrong.  He has promised to care for us and He will.  We may have to hold on in a moment of struggle but God will supply the strength to do that. 

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  (Psalm 46:1 NIV)

We need to respond to temptation during vulnerable moments by waiting and trusting God.  God knows about our troubles.  God cares.  God is acting on our behalf, even though we can’t see it yet. 

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)

We remain safe during times of vulnerability by resisting the devil and refusing to let circumstances control our actions.  We build security and safety as we affirm our trust in God and acknowledge that He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 

©2015 Partners in Hope