December 1, 2006

 

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

 

--Matthew 3:16-17, 4:1

 

That must have been an amazing sight when John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. God blessed Him in an audible voice from heaven, and Jesus’ earthly ministry began.

 

Now, you wouldn’t expect the next part of His story to include His greatest temptation, but that’s exactly what happened!

 

Satan often attacks us with temptation just after we’ve won a spiritual victory…just like he did Jesus. The devil knows our triumph leaves us more vulnerable, and he wants us to miss out on God’s blessings in our lives.

 

The only way you can defeat Satan is to protect yourself by putting on the battle fatigues God has provided for you. Those fatigues are found in Ephesians 6:13-17.

 

It’s important that you pray for God to provide you His full armor: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the Gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit each and every day. 

 

When Jesus went out to the desert after His baptism, He was protected. He had on His armor. When Satan came after Him, Jesus used His shield. He used His sword. Satan took three shots, but Jesus knocked him down each time!

 

And just like Jesus, you can overcome the attacks of Satan in your life today. It’s my prayer you’ll take advantage of the armor God’s given you as His child…so that you can win every battle for Him!

 

Put on the battle fatigues god has provided so you can overcome the attacks of satan in your life today!