During a recent radio interview, resistance came up in response to Matthew 4. I had been grappling with severe resistance to my job that had not only stolen precious energy and robbed me of peace but made it near possible to focus on the positive: that I have a vocation with many wonderful blessings.
Of course, I can allow myself the feel the painful ramifications of a difficult job - but to live in that feeling and allow the resistance to build up until it’s pouring over into my daily life is far from ideal or healthy.
God knew when he brought me to this school that I would be tested - as Jesus was in the Wilderness - and He also knew I’d want to run for the hills to something easier and far-less-exhasuting. He knew that temptation to quit would over-rule my sensibility and strength to persevere many days, so He did what He does best: impart me with anecdotal wisdom from the Bible and reassurance through his promises.
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]”
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan!For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Matthew 4: 1-11
Anecdote to Resistance
We will encounter resistance in the wilderness - it won’t be easy, comfortable or pleasant-feeling. But it doesn’t mean God isn’t leading us there - we are meant to nudge up to resistance as we follow wild paths in faithful obedience.
We can be sure that God will dispatch angels - at the very time we need it - when temptation is most high. The beauty of following God into the wild is we will witness His power come to pass over and over. He will prove faithful again and again. We simply have to slow down and see how He is attempting to show up, protect us and restore us to face yet one more day.
Pause and Pray
When resistance arises, and you want to make a rash, fearful decision in the moment, pause and pray, as you reflect on the following question: is this truly an off ramp you should take?
If the answer is yes, then follow up with this: If I am taking that off ramp, what is the reason I want to take it? The best-made decisions are backed by wisdom, lots of thoughtful reflection and prayerful discernment. And the understanding of God’s faithfulness to carry us through to brighter days.