God's Glory Church

Having the desire for God to always guide us in all our plans and deeds by His Holy Spirit is a wonderful dream. As believers, we understand that God does not wish us harm. His intentions are for good, for the future, and for hope. Even when there is darkness around us, as during massive attacks on the power system, when we were left without light, water, or heat for weeks in bitter cold, God’s plans are aimed at lifting us out of depression and giving us joy. However, are we ready for where exactly the Spirit can lead us? We often expect comfort, but today’s story is about leading us into the wilderness.

“Then the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.”
From Matthew 4:1-2

The Holy Spirit can take us to a place where we do not want to be at all. Jesus had just begun his ministry, the first disciples had joined him, and suddenly there was complete isolation. There were no people in the desert, no ministry, not even ordinary food.

On the fortieth day: When strength runs out

Pastor Alexander shared a personal experience: “This week I got sick with a bad flu. There were days when I could not get out of bed at all, feeling like a “walking dead man.” In this state, you pray, but instead of feeling God’s presence or strength, you often feel only exhaustion and “hunger” — both physical and spiritual.”

It is when you are most vulnerable that the tempter comes. He did not come on the first day, when Jesus was full of strength. He waited until the very end of the fortieth day.

Where are you in this story now?

• Day One: You are full of hope that fasting and prayer will quickly solve all your problems.
• Midway: You are tired, but you are still holding on.
• Day Fortieth: You have done all you can, but there is no answer. Instead, you hear the voice of the tempter: “If you are a child of God, where is the result? Where is your healing?”

1. Stone: Temporary Need vs. Eternal Word

The first temptation is the offer to turn stones into bread. The devil says, “Don’t wait for God, solve the problem yourself right now.” Jesus could have done it, but it would have meant gaining a local victory at the cost of losing the great war.

“He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities… and by his stripes we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:5

We often forget that Christ himself suffered pain and sickness so that by his stripes we might be healed. The first truth of victory: respond to all temptations only with God’s Word—“It is written!”

2. Scissors: A Trap of Manipulation

The name “scissors” is an allegory for the game of “tsu-ye-fa.” The devil puts Jesus in a stretch situation: he quotes the Bible, but takes it out of context. He says, “If you believe the Word, jump. If you don’t jump, then you don’t believe.”

This is the most dangerous moment for making decisions. Many people leave their ministry, church, or family precisely in the midst of temptation, at the height of emotional exhaustion.

Second Truth: Decisions should be made AFTER the temptation passes, not during it.

3. Authority: Whom do we bow to?

The third temptation is the promise of quick power over the world. The devil offers a way without the cross if only Jesus would bow to him. But the power of the world is often illusory and built on lies.

This anecdote reminds us that “it’s not how you vote that matters, but how you count.” The world offers false power, but true victory comes when we choose to serve only God. Then angels come and serve us.

Conclusion and Prayer

To overcome, you don’t always need a 40-day fast. You just need to hold on to God. Angels often come in the form of people: a wife who cares during illness, or friends who help with children.

Don’t make decisions based on the thoughts that are spinning in your head during trials. Wait until the evening of the fortieth day. Your angels are already on their way.

Prayer: Lord, bless everyone who is currently going through their desert. Give us the strength not to give up, but to stand on Your Word. We believe that by Your wounds we are healed and in You we have complete victory. Amen!.