I woke up this morning to a text from my mom who often texts me to tell me good morning. It may seem silly but I have come to enjoy it quite a bit. Its almost like being at home and walking downstairs still sleepy eyed and blinking in the bright lights of the kitchen, as my mom comes up and gives me a good morning hug. But this morning her text caught me off guard, “What temptations will we face today? Love you!”
I smiled a bit and pondered her question but I didn’t realize how relevant it was until I got to church. After his baptism, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by the devil. Everywhere He went the devil looked for weakness,but knowing his identity as the Son of God, Jesus wasn’t swayed. He was exhausted and hungry. His battle wasn’t easy. The devil commanded Jesus to turn a rock into bread, and despite having not eaten for 40 days Jesus wouldn’t budge. Thats some serious will-power.
Just like Jesus’ struggle in the wilderness, everyday we are faced with temptation. For me, one of my biggest temptations daily, is sweets. It is truly the curse of the cupcake. The ironic thing about the picture above is that it is never just one cupcake, or scoop of ice cream, or piece of chocolate. Every indulgence needs a partner in crime. While this is no comparison to the trials that Jesus was facing, its comforting to know that he endured it, that he made it through much greater temptations and that maybe, with His help, I can make it through my meager ones too.
The best part is in knowing that no matter how many temptations I am forced to face in a day, I know Jesus will be by my side. Just as He relied on the strength of His Heavenly Father to get him through the trials of everyday life, my identity as a Christian gives me the strength to do the same. Though my cupcake analogy is certainly trivial, the power and energy given to us by Jesus, in his ability to overcome temptation is certainly not.
Philippians 4:13, Psalm 46:1
- a.e.
Amy Engle (a.e.) is currently a sophomore Digital New Media and Graphic Design double major at Creighton University. With interests in new and emerging media sources a blog seemed like the perfect way to get started. Faith has always been a central part of Amy's life. Growing up in St. Louis with her parents and four brothers church was a weekly event. Now at a Jesuit University, she has realized the importance of developing ones own personal faith and discovered the benefits of looking for God's presence in daily life. Check in for new updates every Wednesday and Sunday!