Matthew 4:1-11

Mike Davies examines the challenges Christians face when going through trials

Mike Davies

In life we can have many testing trials that can come and steal our joy. At times it doesn't seem to matter what principle of law (some would say "Murphy's Law) you apply, these ordeals can, at times, come thick and fast.

It is curious how different Christians face such trials. In my time in ministry I have seen some who I would have said would stand firm no matter what comes their way, and others who I seem to think may buckle at the slightest sign of bad news. How often I have been mistaken and it continues to surprise me how those who I believe may struggle in their faith actually find an inner strength that can lift them and see them through the tough and sad times. Christians have, or should have, an incredible comforter in the person of the Holy Spirit. Yes, there are instances when we can cope and others when we can't, but it is how we prepare ourselves before these trials, that is crucial.

Christians need to be continually praising God, reading His word and praying. The deeper we can build our relationship in the good times the more we can draw from within in the challenging times.

It was some years ago now that I accepted Jesus Christ into my life. In many ways, I think I sold myself the wrong story, as I thought that if the Holy Spirit was in my life it would all be plain sailing; but this has not been the case. I have had some great times and some real mountain top experiences; but also some difficult periods.

So, I ask myself, where was the Holy Spirit in the difficult times? I was recently told that although it is great to have mountain top experiences, in order to feed you need to be in the valley. Odd, I thought, but true. The mountain goat will always find what is good to eat in the valley, (the lush green grass). The Holy Spirit does guide us through life, but He ensures that we are fed, watered and mature in the process. Where is He in the tough times? He is closer than you could ever imagine.

And so it is with us. It is wonderful to be lost in praise, but in order for us to grow and mature we need some valley time.

In Matthew's Gospel we see that Jesus is taken into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to face temptation. This totally amazes me as a piece of scripture, as we tend to focus on the Holy Spirit leading us into good times rather than allowing us to be tempted in order that we can mature.

With Jesus we learn some very interesting facts about the needs and weaknesses of man/woman. Firstly, we like to know who we are and where we fit in. It is when our identity is challenged that problems start to come. I remember being at school and one particular teacher telling me I would never make anything of myself. It is amazing how words said to a young child can be remembered many years later. My identity had been challenged. I also remember, vividly, a time in my life, (I must have been about 5 years old), when my identity and home security seemed very unsure and unsafe.

The devil tempted Jesus in three ways. Firstly, the identity of Jesus was challenged in the face of great physical need and tiredness. The devil did not say, "You are the Son of God", he said, "IF" you are the Son of God. He was trying to sow doubt into the mind of Jesus.

I believe that when we are in times of great physical need or tiredness that the enemy can sneak in and start to challenge us on our relationship with our God, (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). If he can cause us to question our identity as sons and daughters of a living God, then he can start to cause division between us and the Father heart of God.

Secondly, Jesus is taken to the Holy City. This was a place, which is supposed to represent spirituality and Godly authority. Again he is presented with, "IF" - His whole spiritual authority was questioned. So it is with us, when we are in times of need through loneliness, hurt, or betrayal, the devil can step in and question not only our physical relationship with God, but also our spiritual authority in Him, in that we are heirs, son and daughters of a loving heavenly father who has given us authority.

Then thirdly, Jesus was tempted with regard to His relationship with the Father and His association to Him. The devil was basically saying to Jesus, you can have everything you came for, but if you worship me instead of your Father, you will not have to go through the pain and the crucifixion; there is an easy way and that is for you to swap sides and change your allegiance. How often good Christians are tempted away because it can seem that the 'grass is greener on the other side'.

Life can be tough; life is tough; but we need to keep our eyes fixed firmly upon Jesus. We need to seek comfort through the presence of the Holy Spirit and we need to receive and openly accept the love available from a loving Father God.

Jesus was tempted, but he was prepared. I am hoping that you will now be a little wiser in how the enemy works, in that he will challenge your identity, but you need to stand firm in the presence of God.

As always, if you are walking through a difficult time, then I would like to stand with you in prayer. However, if you are rejoicing on the mountain top - keep pressing in!