40-Days of Prayer: Day 17:  June 17, 2019

Matthew 4: “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

One of the best Christmas gifts I ever received from my husband was a membership to the YMCA.  At the time, we had two little boys and I was a “stay-at-home” mom.  Having this membership to the YMCA gave me freedom!  They had a nursery that my boys loved going and playing with the other kids and I loved to attend the aerobics classes that were offered.  For that one hour or so, I got to be with other adults, exercise, and release my stress of being a mom of two little boys.  As it ended up, I loved the aerobics so much that I went to train to become an aerobics instructor.

I remember being petrified as I thought about how in the world was, I going to stand up there in front of others, jump around, and tell them the next steps! 

And so, as I think about Jesus in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights – no food, no water, and no direction – how in the world was, he going to be able to survive and withstand the temptation of food, power, and the ability to save himself that the devil so graciously offered him?  But, notice how Jesus fights the temptations.  He knows His Father and He knows Scripture – God’s Word!  I wonder if each of us, when faced with temptations in our life, would have the relationship with our God and knowledge of God’s Word to pull us through the worst of our tempters? 

As I remember how scared I was to get up in front of others to teach aerobics, the fear subsided when I knew who I was going to be teaching and I had the knowledge and ability to do my job.  Once I had been through training, I had the confidence to teach other’s aerobics! 

Jesus’ trial in the desert are the trials that you and I face every single day!  However, if we do not know God, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Word of God, then we cannot successfully get through our day with the success that God calls us to!  I believe that the only way to be courageous in our faith is to have a deep and loving relationship with our Lord and know the Word of God inside and out!  If you want to know what Jesus would do, then know God and God’s Word!  That is how, as Christians, that you and I can stand courageously against the foes and temptations of this world! 

Let us pray…Gracious God, we pray that the revelation of knowing how to be courageous in faith is through knowing you – and knowing the Word of God through Bible Studies, worship on Sunday mornings, and Sunday School classes.  We pray that by deepening our relationship with you, we can have the ability to stand against any temptations that come into lives.  We pray this in your name.  Amen.