The Gospel reading for the First Sunday in Lent was the Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13). We heard how He combated the temptations that came His way: He used the Word of God. Satan tried to throw some of those words back in His face, but Jesus did not fall for that twisting of the meaning of Scripture. He was steadfast and faithful to His mission of living a perfect life for us, which He would then offer as the payment for the sins of the world.

While three temptations are recorded here, there could have been more. We all know from our own experience that Satan is relentless in His attacks. That last verse of that Gospel reading reminds us of that.

When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:13)

There would be more temptations directed at Jesus. Daily. Just like we are constantly bombarded. Satan is always looking for the “opportune time” when he thinks you will be most susceptible.

I don’t sleep well. I haven’t for almost 30 years. While I am able to fall asleep quickly, I only sleep a couple of hours before I am awake again. Sometimes I am able to fall asleep again quickly, but more often than not I am awake for an hour or more before I get some more rest. And yes, I’ve been to doctors and had sleep studies and tried their recommendations, but nothing has helped. It have accepted it as a reality in my life.

The reason I mention this is that I am often awake during the time when it is dark. And I can tell you that the Prince of Darkness is an accurate title. He is very busy at night. All kinds of temptations come when I am unable to sleep, often times they assault me from multiple directions at once.

I have discovered that following the example of Jesus when He was tempted actually works! I speak God’s Word to the devil. I pray for God’s help as Jesus did in the Garden. I sing hymns and spiritual songs – in my head, not out loud, because Cheryl is still sleeping. Satan does not give up, but I have the power to resist every temptation he throws at me. That may sound arrogant, but it is not. I am not referring to my own power, but the power of God that He makes available to followers of Jesus.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.  (1 Corinthians 10:13)

God is faithful. He provides the way out, the power to resist.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:14–16)

His mercy and grace help us, empower us, to resist temptation.

It even works in the daytime. Give it a try the next time you are tempted.