He understands
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
No matter what we go through in life, whatever test or temptation we face, we are not alone. Our Savior knows and understands. It’s easy to think, “I know He cares and knows what I am going through, but how could He understand? How could Jesus understand the test that I am experiencing right now?” This scripture says that Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses and was in all points tempted. Every type of test or temptation we could possibly come up against, Jesus went through. We can see some of the things He was tempted with in Matthew 4:1-11.
First, the devil tempted Jesus with pride. He tried to get Him to prove who He was. Satan said, “Prove you are the Son of God by turning the stones into bread.” Next, the devil tempted Jesus to give up. Jesus was fasting and preparing for the ministry He was about to enter. Satan said, “give up this fast and turn the stones to bread.” He tried to tempt Jesus to give up on that preparation and to eat something because He was hungry right now. Thirdly, Satan appealed to Jesus’ self-worth. He tempted Jesus to jump from a great height to try to end His life early. Last of all, He tried to lure Jesus away from His ministry by showing Him all the kingdoms of the world and telling Jesus he would give Jesus what He came to earth for in a simpler way than dying for them. He only had to bow down to Satan.
Jesus, of course, overcame all these temptations, but not because He was God’s Son. It was because He used God’s weapon, His Word (Scripture). You can defeat the enemy too by speaking God’s Word. It is the one thing that Satan hates and speaking God’s Word in faith will chase him away quicker than anything. So, the next time you are tempted to quit and give up, speak the Word of God to that temptation and chase your enemy away in defeat and terror. Remember the Word of God is alive and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. Piercing even to dividing soul and spirit and joint and marrow. It is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Today I encourage you to do three things. One, be on your guard against temptation by recognizing when temptation comes and call it what it is. Don’t justify it by making it a small thing (i.e. lying, cheating, worrying). Second, prepare scriptures ahead of time for the temptations you know that you easily give in to. Third, boldly declare the Word of God when temptation does come. You can even say it like Jesus did, “It is written” or “get away from here, Satan” before the scripture you have prepared. Don’t be overcome with evil/temptation, overcome it with the sword of the spirit, God’s Word. Remember that Jesus also sympathizes with us and has given us a way to escape every time through His Words.
Today’s scripture reading: Hebrews 4:14-16
The Daily Dose 