Victorious in Hours of Temptation

God lives and works today. Perhaps you have experienced his reality at certain times in your life. Most of us, however, if we were to be honest, would have to admit that these times are far outweighed by the times when we give in to the temptations of Satan, and when our lives seem to testify to anything but God, who lives and intervenes.

Today's program by Basilea Schlenk will show us how, instead of Satan, the living God can have the victory in our lives. The tempter never finds a better field for his activities than when the soul is in trouble. Every human want, be it of body, soul, or spirit, is a point of attack by the enemy.

The evangelists, Matthew and Luke, tell us in the fourth chapter of their Gospels about the forty days in which Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. But Jesus did not grasp the hand Satan offered. Satan promised to put an end to Jesus' bodily suffering, to save him from a death by starvation, and to call a stop to the terrible temptations of soul and spirit.

But Jesus said yes to the need in which he found himself. He had the courage to remain in it and to persevere in faith. He was content to wait, however long it might be, until God's hour had come.

And by such self-surrender, Jesus victoriously conquered all temptation. Let me bear every grief and cross, give my whole self to death and loss, so that I'm with you, Jesus. Jesus calls to us in our times of temptation, follow me.

Do not grasp the hand of the tempter, no matter how much you may long to escape from your distress of body, soul, or spirit. Do not accept Satan's offer, however much he may promise to give you what you long for, money, possessions, privileges, rights, honor, or friendship by swift but questionable means. Beware of Satan's hand, which entices you to take advantage of the easy ways.

These ways, harmless as they may seem, bring about your eternal destruction. Rather, turn to God, giving him your answer of love, willingly accepting his leadings. And say to him in steadfast faith, O Lord, you're my Father, and I'm your child.

You know how to help me when the time is right. If you pray this way, the enemy will be made powerless, and you will come out of the temptation as a real victor. Jesus, my captain true, thou hast the foe who cometh, that graces me so hard.

Let me remain God's child, though great the sin I feel, burning in me like fire. Therefore God send me praised, who on the cross was raised, to save me from my sin. I'll give my life to thee, death is but gain to me, when I salvation see.

You have been listening to a program written by Basile Schlinck of the Little Land of Canaan. To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website www.canaan.org. If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet. If you do not have access to the web, please contact this radio station for our postal address.

God bless you.