Reply To: OCU C)SP D Week 04 Devotion

When I read Matthew 4:5–7, I see Jesus standing strong in the face of temptation. The devil tried to trick Him by using Scripture, telling Jesus to jump off the highest point of the temple and prove that God would save Him. But Jesus didn’t fall for it. He answered, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

Jesus had been fasting for 40 days and was weak and hungry. That’s when the devil came to tempt Him the most, with comfort, power, and control. But Jesus didn’t give in. He knew that true strength comes from obeying God, not from chasing what the world offers. He said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

What amazes me is that Jesus never sinned, even when the devil gave Him every reason to. His nature was perfect, holy and pure. Sometimes I think, “I’m not Jesus. I mess up all the time.” But then I remember that Jesus gave us His Holy Spirit to help us resist temptation too. Because of His sacrifice, I can have the strength to say no to sin and yes to God.

When I face struggles or feel overwhelmed, I remind myself that Jesus understands what I’m going through. He’s been there. No matter how big my problems feel, He’s right there beside me, giving me faith to overcome. Like it says in 1 John 5:4, “Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.” My victory comes through faith in Him.