Temptation in the Desert

I was thinking today about Jesus' experience in the desert. He had just been baptized in the Jordan River (see Matthew 3:13-15). In Matthew 4:1 it tells us that right after His baptism Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted. I can't help but think back to the time that I received Christ as my Savior and was baptized as a young adult. I had so much zeal for Christ but little knowledge of His Word. This left me vulnerable in many ways. For one, I had no idea I had an enemy who wanted to destroy me.

Within the following month, my family packed up and moved for the first time. Reflecting back to the year following our move, I can honestly say I felt like I was led into the "desert" myself. I was tempted in many ways by my adversary, and due to lack of knowledge and my own sinful nature, I fell face down into a deep pit of sin. I often wonder why I faced such an overwhelming season of temptation soon after I was baptized. I had never experienced attacks to the degree that I did in the year following my salvation.

Was it for sifting purposes? Perhaps it was to humble me and show me my desperate need for Jesus, because apart from Him, I can do nothing. Whatever the reason, I know now that He always provides a way of escape during temptation. For the times I did fall, He can redeem them and use them for His glory.


As I evaluate that particular time in my life when I fell and the terrible pain it caused myself and my family, I know that I would never have made it out without the saving hand of Jesus. The consequences were so horrendous that I felt at times I could not face the pain of my choices one more second. The Lord stayed with me every step of the way out of my pit and began to restore me from everything that held me captive to my past choices.

I believe the Lord allowed me to walk through that season because something needed sifting. Walking through the refiners' fire has burned out the desire to seek love anywhere else but in the arms of Him. Oh, how I pray that if you are under the influence of a lustful spirit, tempting you towards sexual sin outside your marriage, you would run towards the arms of Jesus. Satan wants nothing more than for you to fall! His only tools are lies and deception! If he is tempting you to leave your marriage partner for another, run as fast as you can before the Throne of Grace and confess it! The Word says that Satan runs day and night to the Throne accusing you (see Revelation 12:10). Run to it and confess any sin before he tells on you!

You are blessed dear sisters