January 11, 2013

“Worship the Lord your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.” The Test was over. The Devil left. And in his place, angels! Angels came and took care of Jesus’ needs.” Matt. 4:10-11 The Message

Jesus knows what every test and temptation in your life feels like and looks like. Temptation’s great mask is to make you think, if only for a moment, that you are all alone and God is watching to see how you respond before he decides to help you. Jesus stands ready at this moment and every moment of your life to help you against every test and temptation. You are never alone in Christ. You may feel all alone and abandoned but Jesus has promised he will never leave you or forsake you. Every follower of Jesus Christ faces moments of real temptation .. real struggles .. and sometimes real failures. But God is faithful. He is faithful in the temptations and He is faithful in the failures. Jesus is shaping your life with “absolute single-heartedness”. In the midst of the battles, His Spirit reminds you that you belong to the Lord God — ransomed-redeemed-reconciled .. that you worship God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit .. and that His Life abides in you forever. Your life is hidden in Christ and every temptation you face is one that tries to separate you from Jesus. He’s not going to let go .. walk away .. or give up on you. He’s there for whatever you are facing today. You can place your trust in Him. He will be your strength .. defense .. and praise … and it only takes a moment …

“No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed over your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.” 1 Cor. 10:13 The Message

Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F to Christ Followers and friends of Priority One (ken@priorityone.org)