Lent invites us to step into the desert. It’s a time to pause, leave behind daily busyness, and come closer to God. During this first week of Lent, we remember a familiar story: Jesus in the wilderness. Before beginning His ministry, Jesus spent forty days fasting and praying. When He was physically weakest, He faced temptation.
Many of us see temptation as a sign we’ve failed, as if being tempted means we’ve already done something wrong. But Jesus shows us something important: temptation itself isn’t a sin. It’s where our faith is tested and can grow stronger.
The Wilderness Experience
Matthew 4:1–11 tells us how the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. He was hungry, alone, and vulnerable. The devil tempted Him in three ways: (1) to satisfy His hunger, (2) to test God’s protection, and (3) to gain power by worshiping the wrong way.
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights, He fasted and became very hungry” – Matthew 4:1-2.
Notice when the enemy shows up. He didn’t come to Jesus during a feast, but during His fast. Temptation often finds us when we’re tired, stressed, lonely, or longing for more. We might try to ease anxiety with old habits, get angry when we feel overlooked, or take shortcuts under pressure.
But Jesus teaches us how to resist spiritually. He didn’t argue with the devil or depend on His own strength. Instead, He relied on God’s Word. Each time the enemy lied, Jesus answered with Scripture, saying, “It is written.”
This is our example for Lent. We’re not meant to fight temptation by ourselves. Instead, we stand on the solid truth of God’s Word.
You Are Not Alone in the Struggle
When we face recurring struggles, it is easy to feel isolated. Shame whispers that no one else deals with what you are dealing with. But the Bible offers a powerful reassurance.
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure’ – 1 Corinthians 10:13.
This verse is a lifeline. It reminds us of two important things. First, your struggle is normal. You’re not broken or odd for having battles; you’re human.
Second, God is faithful. He isn’t just watching from a distance. He’s actively helping you.
God promises a “way out.” Sometimes it is a helpful distraction. Sometimes it’s a friend you can reach out to. Other times, it’s the sudden clarity to step away from a computer or television screen, or a conversation. The way out is always there, but we need to look for it rather than focus on the temptation.
Often, spiritual resistance is less about fighting a big battle and more about finding the escape God provides.
How do we prepare ourselves to see that “way out”? How do we build the spiritual muscle to resist when we are tired or weak? We do exactly what Jesus did. We fill our minds with truth before the crisis comes.
By obeying Your Word. I have tried hard to find You—don’t let me wander from Your commands. I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You” – Psalm 119:9–11.
“Hiding” God’s Word in your heart means valuing it. It’s not about reading Scripture to finish a task, but about saving up truth for when you need it most. When you know God calls you “loved, chosen, and forgiven”, you’re less likely to seek approval elsewhere. When you trust God to provide, you’re less likely to try to control things.
Practical Steps to Remember
During this first week of Lent, let us put these ideas into action. Here are three simple ways to face temptation with faith this week:
1. Identify Your Wilderness: Be honest about where you feel vulnerable right now. Are you lonely? Stressed at work? Worried about money? Knowing your weak spots helps you stay alert.
2. Pick Your “It is Written” Verse: Find one scripture that speaks directly to your current struggle. Write it on a sticky note, put it on your phone’s lock screen, or memorize it. When the pressure comes, speak that verse out loud.
3. Look for the Way Out: When you feel tempted, pause. Take a deep breath and ask, “God, where is the way out?” Then, dare to take it.
Lent is not about punishing yourself; it is about pruning your life so fruit can grow. It is about clearing away the weeds of temptation so your dependence on God can take deep root. You are not fighting alone. Jesus, who triumphed in the wilderness, walks beside you in yours. Lean on Him. His strength is made perfect in your weakness.