A reflection on Matthew 4, fasting, and learning to stand firm when temptation shows up.
Today’s sermon was one of those messages that doesn’t just sound good in the moment—it follows you home.
It made me think about my own life, my patterns, and my temptations… and it reminded me that the Christian life isn’t about pretending temptation doesn’t exist. It’s about learning how to stand firm when it does.
We’re starting a week of prayer and fasting at church, and honestly, the timing couldn’t be better. We’re reading through Matthew together, and today was Matthew chapter 4—Jesus in the wilderness, fasting, and being tempted.
That’s not a random story. That’s real life.
Jesus Was Led Into the Wilderness
One line that hit me hard was this idea: Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness—knowing He would be tempted.
That flips a lot of our thinking. A lot of times we assume if we’re close to God, everything should feel easier and smoother. But today reminded me: sometimes God leads us into a “wilderness season” on purpose—not to abandon us, but to refine us.
Maybe the wilderness isn’t proof God left me.
Maybe it’s proof God is working on me.
Temptation Attacks Identity First
Another part that stood out was how the devil didn’t just tempt Jesus with random stuff. He attacked the core of who Jesus was:
“If you are the Son of God…”
That’s identity. And that’s how it feels for us too. A lot of temptation isn’t just about the action—it’s about the voice behind it:
- “If God really loved you, you wouldn’t be dealing with this.”
- “If you were really a Christian, you wouldn’t struggle like this.”
- “You might as well give up… you always mess up anyway.”
That’s not God talking. That’s the enemy trying to shake your foundation.
Today reminded me that temptation often connects to insecurity—those weak spots in us where we already feel unsure. The enemy doesn’t fight fair. He goes for the places that hurt.
Fasting Is Like Spiritual Conditioning
The sermon described fasting like spiritual conditioning, and that made so much sense.
Fasting isn’t punishment. It’s training.
It’s a way of telling my body and my cravings: “You don’t run my life.”
Because the truth is, our appetites can take over if we’re not careful—whether it’s food, scrolling, entertainment, lust, anger, pride, or even just numbing out.
If my life is built around constant indulgence, then the Spirit can’t lead me the way He wants to. That’s convicting… but it’s also hopeful. Because it means I can grow. I can strengthen my spirit.
My Fast This Week: I’m Giving Up Coffee
For this week of fasting at church, I’m giving up coffee—just for a week. And honestly, that’s a big deal for me.
I’m doing it partly because I want to participate with the church, but also because Lent is coming in February, and we’ll be fasting again—this time for 40 days. I want to prepare my mindset now instead of acting shocked later.
Giving up coffee isn’t about being dramatic. It’s about reminding myself:
- I can say “no.”
- I can practice self-control.
- I can lean on God even in the small things.
Because small wins train you for bigger battles.
The Word of God Is the Weapon
Something else that hit me: every time Jesus was tempted, He answered with:
“It is written…”
He didn’t argue. He didn’t negotiate. He didn’t entertain it. He stood on God’s Word.
That challenged me, because a lot of times I try to fight temptation with willpower alone… but willpower runs out. The Word of God doesn’t.
The way to grow stronger isn’t just “trying harder.” It’s building my spirit—through discipline and Scripture— so I’m not constantly being dragged around by cravings and emotions.
I Needed the Reminder: I’m Not Alone in This
One of the most encouraging parts of the sermon was the reminder that temptation and suffering are shared by every believer. It’s not “just me.” It’s not “only my struggle.”
That matters, because shame loves isolation. But faith grows in community.
This week our church is leaning in together: prayer meetings around downtown Lima, and even a 24-hour prayer commitment on Thursday where people can sign up for half-hour slots to pray wherever they are—at home, in a bedroom, in a “prayer closet,” wherever.
That’s powerful. That tells me this isn’t a solo fight.
God Always Provides a Way Out
Another promise I needed to hear again: God provides a way out of temptation.
Sometimes the “way out” is simple and immediate:
- Leave the situation
- Don’t keep the conversation going
- Change the channel
- Put the phone down
- Take a different route
- Call someone
- Pray right then
Temptation usually gives us multiple exit ramps… but the longer we stay near it, the harder it gets to leave. So I’m trying to get better at choosing the exit early.
Communion Was the Perfect Ending
Ending the message with communion made it even more real for me.
Because communion is a reminder that I don’t overcome temptation by being “good enough.” I overcome by grace.
If I’m looking back at all the ways I failed in 2025, that’s in the past. God is doing something new now. And His grace is still offered—still sustaining, still strengthening, still available.
What I’m Taking Into This Week
- I might be in a wilderness season, but God can use it.
- Temptation doesn’t mean God left me.
- The enemy attacks identity, so I need truth.
- Fasting strengthens my spirit and trains self-control.
- God’s Word is my weapon: “It is written.”
- I’m not alone—this is why the church matters.
- Grace is sufficient, and I can start again today.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for meeting me in the wilderness and not letting temptation define me. Strengthen my spirit when my flesh feels weak. Help me stand on Your Word, take the way out when it’s offered, and stay faithful one step at a time. Use this week of prayer and fasting to refine me and bring me closer to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
By Josh Bridges
YOU {R} NOT ALONE YOU HAVE A VOICE! 