However, I was in Luke 4 today. This is the chapter where Jesus had fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and then was tempted by the devil. It seems that the Father just keeps showing me ways to respond to the trials that life may bring.

From Job we learned 8 lessons:

1. Some suffering can and even does come from Satan (though allowed by the Father)

2. Suffering is not always an immediate result of sin (so don’t judge others)

3. the Father does not condemn honest anguish and despair

4. No one can know the reason the Father allows suffering

5. No one can understand completely another person’s suffering

6. the Father asks for faith in the midst of suffering

7. Suffering can and should bring glory to the Father

8. Suffering is under the control of the Father – He is all powerful and good!

Then this morning, from Luke 4 and the life of my sinless Savior (who was filled with the Holy Spirit), I was reminded that a state of physical weakness is no excuse to give place to the devil. So many days I’m physically worn down – whether just being exhausted or hungry or frustrated that things are running according to “my” schedule (I’m quite the task oriented person). I hate to admit that I often fail my Savior in my responses when I’m feeling weak physically. But, Christ was renewed and strong in the Holy Spirit even when physically weak! So, I have no excuse!! I should be able to draw my strength from the Lord and be spiritually strong to overcome the devil despite what this weary (and temporary, I might add) body may be feeling.

Temptation will do one of two things for an individual: it will either strengthen or weaken him. So, be encouraged and just remember the lessons learned from Job, as well as our sinless Savior. Remain spiritually strong, because life doesn’t seem to slow down, and its demands can be rigorous at times. Suffering and testing will either sweeten or sour you, soften or harden you.