Temptation Follows Transformation

Have you felt that the moment you’ve said ‘Yes’ to Jesus, the next, you’re faced with choices that tests your decision? It is not a strange phenomena. Look at Jesus. After He was baptized and the dove descended upon Him as a sign of the Holy Spirit falling upon Him. Then He was led to the dessert to be tempted by the Devil.

The devil comes after the dove.

How can the Devil not come? For when your mind is no longer bound by anxiety as you choose to lean into what God says about you, the Enemy has no more grounds to make you doubt about your identity. For when you are now denying the flesh , how can the Enemy be able to distract you from living into your calling to share the love of God to those around you?

“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world”. - 1 John 2:16

Temptation follows Transformation

When Jesus was fasting for 40 days in the wilderness, the Devil came to tempt him three times. They represent the 3 main ways humans are usually tempted:

• Lust of the flesh – Craving pleasure

• Pride of life – Seeking validation

• Lust of the eyes – Chasing power and success

Temptation #1: Turning Stones into Bread (Physical Needs & Desires)

Satan’s Challenge: “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus’ Response: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

This is the temptation of the flesh—the need to satisfy physical hunger, comfort, and desires. Satan knew Jesus was starving. Offering him food was an easy way to test his dependence on God. Instead, Jesus reminded Satan (and us) that physical needs should never come before spiritual truth.

We’re constantly bombarded with things that appeal to our flesh—food, money, sexual immorality, comfort, instant gratification. But Jesus showed us that saying “no” to short-term satisfaction and trusting in God’s timing is always the right move.

Temptation #2: Throwing Himself Off the Temple (Pride & Testing God)

Satan’s Challenge: “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you…'”

Jesus’ Response: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (Matthew 4:7).

This is the temptation of pride—forcing God’s hand to prove himself. Satan was twisting scripture, it was an attempt to make Jesus doubt God’s protection. We do this all the time—asking for signs, testing God, demanding He prove Himself before we trust Him.

Often, the first way Satan tries to tempt us is ask a question: “Did God really say no to this relationship?” or “Did God really say taking drug is a sin?”

But Jesus teaches us to trust God’s plan without forcing His hand. Faith isn’t about making God act on our terms; it’s about believing He already knows what’s best.

Temptation #3: Worshiping Satan for Power (Worldly Ambition & Idolatry)

Satan’s Challenge: “All this I will give you if you bow down and worship me.”

Jesus’ Response: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only” (Matthew 4:10).

This is the temptation of power and control—taking shortcuts to success. Satan was offering Jesus the kingdoms of the world. But Jesus refused because he knew true authority comes from God, not from compromising with evil.

We’re often tempted to chase power, fame, and success at any cost. Maybe it’s cutting corners at work, sacrificing family for money, or compromising integrity for influence. But Jesus’ response reminds us: God’s way is the only way.

It might be this sense of missing out from fun of partying you have. It might be this sense of why do you need to date Godly when everyone else is sleeping around?

The Reason to Persevere

Faith brings you to the door of blessing Obedience opens that door.

When you persevere in the discomfort, slowly but surely God will fill you with the blessing of His presence—-His joy, His peace, and His wisdom. It is the joy of what money can buy nor it is the fulfillment any night out can bring you.

I am also in this messy middle of obeying God that this is the life He wants for me now, yet not yet seeing the fruits of what He promised. But here is where I persevere because I remind myself that obeying God (who knows what is best for me), will be the best decision. And I trust His hand for when He sees fit to use me as He pleases.

I pray that the appeal of sin may grow dimmer and dimmer, as you focus on living a life pleasing to God. Just like Lot’s wife, do not look back to the old life you’ve left. Let it be that your pursuit for money and fame and status are nothing in comparison to your zeal in pursuing Christ and His kingdom.

Pray with me,

God, I cannot see the fruit of obedience to You. I just know that this life I choose now, is preparing me for the life we’ve talked about. Every tst has a purpose and every tear is watering my destiny. Let me see myself through your eyes; not broken, but becoming. Mold me, shape me, and use me for Your Glory. This season is building something eternal for me.

X,

T.W.