Thursday, March 22nd, 2018

Fortunately, the Texas bombings have seemingly come to an end, and we all can rejoice in prayers answered. But in such times of fear and anxiety, have you ever found yourself saying statements like “if you don’t do this, then I will do that.” When we issue ultimatums in our closest relationships, such as to family, our spouse, or close friends, they rip our relationships apart because it puts the other party to the test. Unconditional love cannot co-exist with qualification tests. Jesus exemplified this in his desert temptations by the devil. In Luke, it says, “ The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

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

Jesus knew that our relationship with God cannot exist if we believe He must prove Himself to us when we challenge Him. But yet when things get tough in our lives, so many of us have thought to ourselves, “Jesus, if you don’t do this, then I am just not sure you are who you say you are.” Just as such thoughts are not healthy in a marriage or friendship, they are even more debilitating in our relationship with Jesus. When things get tough for us, remember that God created you, specifically, for a reason and has plans for good and not for ruin. Thus, do not demand that God act to make your plans come to fruition, pray that He grants you the strength to follow His plans for you. Today, if you are struggling with something in your life, give it to God and ask for the strength seek His plans over yours.

The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” – Luke 4: 9-12 NIV