Trials are a prime opportunity that the enemy seizes upon to throw temptations at us. They are ever so subtle, but so destructive. Satan knows which spiritual buttons to push to make us compromise. We are aware of the danger of falling prey to Satan’s deceptions, because that’s what brought us to the fallen state that we are in. The first man and woman listened to the serpent and gave up a pure relationship with God for a temporary pleasure that they saw.

Furthermore, If our own Lord was not left alone in the wilderness from this great tempter, then how much more must we be on guard? But, this is not to cause any fear or paranoia of temptations. Just as Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, resisted the evil one in the wilderness, we too can find great strength in Him to do the same. We need God’s wisdom to discern His purpose in our trials. We also need it to avoid being deceived by any satanic lie that speaks against God’s love in such times. The strain of trials can either cause us to give up our faith and retreat to our sinful nature, or bring us before God in brokenness. May we expect the latter.

“Father, we pray for wisdom and stronger faith when we go through trials. Keep us from the evil one. Help us to see the big picture of your everlasting glory in our moments of suffering. And, we thank You for showing Your love for us by sending Your Son!”

James 1:5-6
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.