Trust NOT Test

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.   “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Okay, so the food enticement did not work for the enemy.  The enemy decided to play another card.  He used Scripture connected to an ultimatum.  The enemy asked Jesus to prove Himself by testing Scripture.  If results showed different, then the enemy had Him, right?

Angels could come to rescue Jesus, but that was not in God’s plan.  Jesus knew this for His bond to His Father stood strong.  He knew God had a plan and it did not include succumbing to the enemy in such a way.  Putting God to a test is polar opposite of faith. . .

We can all be guilty of testing God.  Often times it appears through prayer.  ‘God, if only you would provide a job, then my faith would grow deeply and believe the Truth.’  ‘God, please bring health to my dying family member; for it is written that health can be restored.’  ‘God, get me home safely so I can affirm your presence.’  ‘God, settle this storm; for it is written that you can calm the seas.’

God loves to hear from you.  Prayers provide a direct line of communication between us and God.  Faith can diminish when requests connect with ultimatums; other known as tests for God to pass so we can affirm His presence, love or wisdom.  Throwing these up in prayer opens a door for the devil to begin sneaking in on our spirit.

The enemy waits for the weakest moment, when we sit before God desiring an instant miracle or rescue, and begins whispering false words.  The enemy leads us to believe if God can’t fix, heal, provide, rescue or remove the concern then He must not care.  How could Love fail in a moment of need?  How can bad things occur to Christians?  For it is written that God provides protection, security, direction and cares for all His Children, right?

It is also written that we live in a fallen world.  There will be trials and tribulations here on Earth.  God cannot force anyone to believe in Him, follow His Ways and seek counsel from Him.  Therefore, people will continue to choose wrongly and act against His Word.  The results may harm only themselves or cause a ripple effect and include numerous individuals in the harmful effects.  We only have control over our decisions.  We only have control over our relationship with God. 

I cannot guarantee you ‘easy’ living once accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  I cannot guarantee that no matter your actions, God will rescue.  And I cannot guarantee you complete physical health and safety. 

I can guarantee you peace which surpasses all understanding.  I can guarantee you that though discipline hurts; it will create a strong faith which the devil cannot break.  I can guarantee you spiritual health and safety.  For it is written. . .

Seek His Truth in order to strengthen your spirit.  The Promises will remain and He never fails to follow through.  All things work out for good as we love and believe in Him through EVERY situation.  It is in His timing, not ours.  Pray today, send up requests; but, stop short of connecting an ultimatum or testing out God’s promises.  Let Him finish the work He began by following His Will placed upon your life. 

He will never lead you where grace cannot cover.  He led Jesus into the wilderness as an example and to show the devil Who will win the battle.  We may be led to the wilderness, but pray harder than the devil can work; therefore, your faith will not falter and God can use you in mighty ways! 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig