ABELIDO, MARY BETH E.

February 26, 2023

Matthew 4:1-11

This gospel is showing us that when Jesus is tempted and feels he is in a difficult situation, he
looks to God's word for guidance. As a result of the temptations, Jesus was stronger and more prepared.
Very often, we are concerned supremely about the present. We are tempted to sacrifice our principles for
a short-term gain. Satan powerfully lures us into this trap. Instead of giving in, we can follow the example
of Jesus in overcoming temptation through trust in God. Satan relentlessly tempts us throughout our lives.
He will seek to tempt us at any time, under different circumstances, and in a variety of ways.
Temptation is something that all of mankind struggles with. While God is the creator of all
things, it is stated in the Bible how God is not the one who tempts others into doing wrongful acts, but
mentions and shows how it is Satan who encourages people’s wrongful desires through temptation. The
Satan does not create the temptations, but plants seeds of doubt of the truth to make one question the true
intentions of God. While overcoming temptation can be challenging, out of His faithfulness God provides
an escape whenever one is being tempted. As a result, man does not have to a slave to his lustful desires,
because God has liberated man by providing an opportunity to overcome the temptation by His Grace and
Mercy. God has placed desires in every man and woman. A desire to be loved, to feel important, and be
wise, are natural cravings that were placed in man by God and is not considered to be evil or sinful, but is
considered to be good. However, it is when man tries to fulfill these innate desires by looking in the
wrong places and does the opposite of what God has intended which causes him to give in to temptations.
I admit that I am having difficulties in fighting temptations. I had made the biggest mistake of my
life because I was tempted to do it. I have been imprisoned with guilt for years because of it. Recently, I
had a confession and that’s when the time when the heaviness I felt stopped. Tho it kept me separated
from God, I have learned lessons of that experience. I have become a better and wiser person because of
it and I thank God for that. From that moment on, I always remind myself of the bible verse: “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.