The Power of Resurrection: Jesus Lives On

Scripture: Luke 24:1–8

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!”

The Dawn That Changed Everything

Early in the morning, before the sun had even risen, the women went to the tomb. Their hearts were heavy, their eyes red from tears, their hands clutching spices meant for burial. Everything about that moment screamed finality. Jesus was dead. Their hope was gone.

But when they arrived, the stone was rolled away. The tomb was empty. And two radiant messengers spoke words that changed human history: “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!”

The story of Easter is not just about a miracle that happened then—it’s about a reality that continues now.

Jesus is alive. Not metaphorically, not symbolically, but literally and eternally alive. The same Jesus who healed the sick, welcomed sinners, and calmed the storm is alive and reigning today.

The resurrection is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of everything new.

The Death of Death

When Jesus rose, He didn’t just come back to life; He defeated death itself. The cross was not a tragedy to be pitied but a triumph to be proclaimed.

The apostle Paul wrote it best:

“Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54–55)

Because Jesus lives forever, death no longer defines us.

Our failures don’t have the final word. Our grief doesn’t have the final word. Even the grave doesn’t have the final word. Jesus does.

And His word is life.

When you stand at a graveside, when you face loss or loneliness, when life feels like a sealed tomb—remember that the resurrection wasn’t just a one-time event. It’s God’s eternal declaration that nothing is impossible for Him.

The Resurrection Still Happens

We often think of Easter as a date on the calendar. But resurrection isn’t confined to springtime—it’s a daily invitation.

Every day that you wake up and choose forgiveness over bitterness—resurrection is happening.

Every time you believe again after disappointment—resurrection is happening.

Every moment you lift your eyes from despair and say, “I still trust You, Lord”—resurrection is happening.

Jesus didn’t rise just to prove His power; He rose to share His life with us.

Because He lives, we can live—fully, freely, fearlessly.

We are resurrection people in a world that still clings to the tomb.

The Living Christ in a Dying World

The risen Christ is not locked in the pages of history. He walks among us today.

He meets us like He met Mary in the garden, calling our names when we least expect it.

He walks beside us like He did with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, opening our eyes to grace right in front of us.

He appears behind locked doors, bringing peace to our fears and breathing His Spirit into our lives.

We don’t follow a memory—we follow a living Savior.

And this living Jesus still transforms lives, still redeems stories, still brings light into the darkest corners of the human heart.

So when you wonder if your situation is too far gone, remember: God has already proven that nothing is too dead for Him to raise again.

Living in Resurrection Power

The resurrection isn’t just something to believe in—it’s something to live out.

It means we forgive as Christ forgave.

We serve with joy, even when it’s hard.

We love without fear of rejection.

We give generously because we trust that God provides.

To live in resurrection power means we no longer have to be defined by the wounds of Friday or the silence of Saturday.

We live in the light of Sunday morning—where the tomb is empty and Jesus is alive.

So whatever tomb you’ve been staring at—whether it’s regret, loss, addiction, or shame—listen closely. You may hear the whisper of angels saying, “He is not here. He is risen.”

Reflection Questions

  1. What “tomb” in your life might God be calling you to leave behind?
  2. How can you live as a person of resurrection hope this week?
  3. Who needs to hear that Jesus still brings life out of death?

Prayer

Risen Lord, thank You for the victory You won over sin and death.

Remind us daily that You are alive and at work in this world.

Let Your resurrection power flow through us—bringing forgiveness, courage, and hope to every corner of our lives.

Help us live as people of the empty tomb, proclaiming with joy that You are risen and You live forever.

Amen.

Transform Your Life: Deepening Your Prayer Journey

Prayer is one of the most powerful gifts God has given us. It’s the open line of communication between heaven and earth, where we bring our joys, sorrows, gratitude, and needs before the Lord. But if we’re honest, prayer can sometimes feel inconsistent, rushed, or even dry.

The good news? Prayer isn’t about perfect words or flawless routines. It’s about connection—drawing close to the heart of God in every season of life.

1. Prayer Is Relationship, Not Ritual

Too often, we treat prayer like a box to check off our daily list. But Jesus modeled prayer as intimate conversation with His Father. In the Gospels, we see Him rise early to pray (Mark 1:35), withdraw in the midst of busyness to pray (Luke 5:16), and cry out in anguish in the garden (Matthew 26:39).

Prayer is more than a spiritual habit—it’s a relationship. Just as friendships grow through regular, honest conversation, so does our relationship with God.

2. Prayer Fits Every Season of Life

  • In times of joy, prayer becomes thanksgiving. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances”(1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).
  • In times of grief, prayer becomes lament. Like the psalmists, we can bring our tears and questions before God.
  • In times of waiting, prayer becomes trust. It reminds us that God’s timing is better than ours.
  • In times of strength, prayer becomes intercession. We lift others to God, standing in the gap for those who need encouragement.

No season is beyond God’s presence. Prayer keeps us connected to His heart no matter what we’re facing.

3. Making Prayer More Meaningful

If prayer sometimes feels shallow or repetitive, here are a few ways to deepen your practice:

  • Set aside a rhythm. Morning, evening, or mid-day—choose a consistent time and space where you can be still before God.
  • Use Scripture as a guide. Pray through the Psalms, the Lord’s Prayer, or promises from the Bible. Let God’s Word shape your words.
  • Pray honestly. Don’t filter your emotions. God can handle your joy, anger, confusion, or silence.
  • Listen, don’t just talk. Prayer isn’t only speaking—it’s also pausing to hear God’s Spirit whisper truth and direction.
  • Keep a journal. Write down prayers and look back later. You’ll see how God has answered over time.

4. The Power of Consistency

Prayer doesn’t have to be long to be powerful—it has to be consistent. Daniel prayed three times a day, even when it risked his life (Daniel 6:10). The early church devoted themselves to prayer, and the Spirit moved mightily among them (Acts 2:42).

Consistency builds intimacy. The more we pray, the more natural it becomes, and the more we sense God’s presence throughout our days.

The Bottom Line

Prayer is powerful because it connects us directly to God’s heart. In every season—joy, sorrow, waiting, or abundance—prayer reminds us we are never alone.

So today, take a step closer. Whisper a prayer of thanks. Pour out your struggles. Sit in silence and let God’s peace wash over you. Prayer is not just a discipline; it’s the lifeline of a disciple.

Navigating Pain: The Power of Lament in Our Lives

How to Lament and Live Through the Hardships of Life

Scripture: Luke 23:1–3

“Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. They began to accuse him, saying, ‘We found this man inciting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that he is the Messiah, a king.’ Then Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ He answered, ‘You say so.’”

Sitting in the Hard Places

Life doesn’t always look like we imagined. Sometimes it’s beautiful; other times, it’s tattered and worn—like an old stole I keep that once belonged to my mentor, Jimmy Lewis. Every time I wear it, I’m reminded of two things: who God called me to be, and how fragile this life really is.

That’s why I love the honesty of Scripture. It doesn’t shy away from the mess. Luke 23 places us in one of the darkest moments of human history: Jesus—the Son of God, the One who healed the sick and loved the unlovable—is betrayed, denied, tried, and crucified.

And we are invited not to rush past it, but to sit in it.

The Temptation to Skip the Suffering

We prefer the resurrection story. We love Easter morning, not Good Friday afternoon. We want to move from pain to praise without having to sit in the tension between. But life doesn’t work that way.

Jesus’ story shows us that redemption always walks through suffering. He was betrayed by a kiss from a friend, denied three times by Peter, dragged through mock trials, and nailed to a cross. Yet in the midst of it all, He lamented—not sulked, not complained, but lamented.

The Difference Between Sulking and Lamenting

Sulking turns inward. It keeps the focus on me—my pain, my frustration, my unfair situation.

Lament, however, turns upward. It brings our pain before God, saying:

  • “God, I’m mad.”
  • “Here’s why I’m mad.”
  • “But I still trust You.”
  • “Now, Lord, please do something.”

That’s the pattern of the Psalms. Over forty of them are laments. They teach us that God welcomes our honest cries, our tears, and our anger. Jesus Himself prayed the Psalms from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1).

Lament doesn’t deny pain—it names it in the presence of God.

Learning to Sit and Be Still

My mentor Jimmy taught me how to do that. There were days when ministry was hard, when he didn’t know how he’d make ends meet. But he’d remind me to “sit and be still.” To wait on God.

Every time I put on his old stole, I remember that lesson: God is still speaking, even in silence. God is still present, even in pain. God is still faithful, even when life feels broken.

When Jesus hung on the cross, the world went dark. His friends scattered. Hope seemed lost. But as author Bob Goff once said:

“Darkness fell. His friends scattered. Hope seemed lost—but that’s when Heaven started counting to three.”

Hope in the Waiting

Whatever hardship you’re facing—grief, disappointment, betrayal, uncertainty—don’t rush through it. Don’t try to pretend it doesn’t hurt. Learn to lament. Cry out to God. Tell Him how you feel. And then wait.

Because even when you can’t see it, God is already counting to three.

He’s already at work redeeming what feels ruined.

He’s already preparing resurrection on the other side of suffering.

A Prayer for Today

Gracious and holy God,

Teach us how to lament as Jesus did.

When we are betrayed, denied, or broken, remind us of Your presence.

Give us the strength to endure, the patience to wait, and the faith to hope.

Thank You that even in the darkest moments, You are counting to three.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our crucified and risen Lord, Amen.

Finding God in Times of Silence

Every believer goes through seasons when God feels far away. The prayers we once prayed with passion now seem to bounce off the ceiling. Scripture that once felt alive can feel flat and dry. Worship songs that once moved us now feel routine. These “dry seasons” can be discouraging, and many Christians quietly wonder, What’s wrong with me?

But here’s the truth: dry seasons are a normal part of the Christian journey. Even the giants of faith—Moses, David, Elijah, Paul—experienced moments of silence, doubt, and waiting. The good news? God is still at work, even in the silence.

1. God’s Silence Doesn’t Mean His Absence

When it feels like God is quiet, it doesn’t mean He has left you. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Those words aren’t tied to our feelings; they’re grounded in God’s eternal promise.

Think of Joseph in prison. From the outside, it seemed like God had abandoned him. Yet behind the scenes, God was preparing Joseph for a greater purpose—to save his family and an entire nation. What looked like silence was really God setting the stage.

Dry seasons can feel like empty fields, but under the soil, roots are growing deeper. God uses the unseen places to strengthen us for what’s ahead.

2. Silence Strengthens Our Faith

Feelings are real, but they aren’t always reliable. Faith, on the other hand, is built not on emotions but on trust in God’s character.

Dry seasons test what we believe. Will we still cling to God when we don’t feel Him? Will we trust His promises even when our hearts are weary? James 1:3–4 says, “The testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Spiritual growth often happens not in the mountaintop moments but in the valleys. It’s in the waiting, the wondering, and the silence that we learn perseverance, patience, and the steady discipline of trust.

3. Practices to Stay Grounded

When faith feels dry, don’t give up. These simple practices can keep your heart anchored until the season shifts:

  • Stay in Scripture
    Even if the words seem lifeless, keep reading. God’s Word is alive whether you feel it or not (Hebrews 4:12). Over time, the Spirit will bring it back to life in you. Sometimes a single verse carried in your heart can sustain you through weeks of dryness.
  • Keep Praying—Honestly
    God doesn’t need polished words; He wants your honest heart. David often cried out, “How long, Lord?” (Psalm 13:1). Yet his prayers of lament became the very prayers that connected him more deeply to God. Bring your frustration, your silence, your longing—God can handle it.
  • Lean on Community
    When you can’t carry your faith alone, let others help. Friends who pray for you, a church that encourages you, or even a small group that listens without judgment can become God’s voice when you feel He is silent. Galatians 6:2 reminds us, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
  • Practice Gratitude
    Even in the silence, there are glimpses of God’s goodness—a sunrise, a kind word, a small answered prayer. Writing them down can open your eyes to how God is still present.

4. Remember: Seasons Change

No season lasts forever. Winter always gives way to spring. In the same way, spiritual dryness will eventually give way to renewal.

Isaiah 43:19 promises, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” What feels like silence today may become the foundation of tomorrow’s testimony.

Think of the disciples after the crucifixion. For three days, silence must have felt unbearable. Yet resurrection was just around the corner. Your story may be in a Friday or Saturday season, but Sunday is coming.

The Bottom Line

Spiritual growth in dry seasons is about trust. God is not absent, even when He feels silent. He is shaping you, preparing you, and drawing you closer than you realize.

Don’t give up—your roots are growing deeper than you can see. One day, you’ll look back on this season not as wasted time, but as the soil where God planted faith that could withstand any storm.

Jesus’ Mission: Seeking and Saving the Lost


“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’” — Luke 15:1–2

Jesus Sees the People

When Jesus looked out at the crowds, He didn’t just see faces—He saw hearts.

He saw stories.

He saw pain and potential.

He saw the ones everyone else overlooked.

The Pharisees saw “sinners.” Jesus saw people.

The Greek word used here—hamartōlos—means sinner, irreligious, or one who misses the mark. But to Jesus, these weren’t labels. They were people worth loving. Jesus didn’t categorize them by their mistakes; He cared for them as God’s children.

So, He sat down and ate with them. That simple act of table fellowship changed everything. Eating together meant acceptance, presence, belonging. Jesus knew that sharing a meal was one of the most powerful ways to show the love of God.

As Joshua Harris put it, “Hang out with sinners so much that it ruins your reputation with religious people.”

That’s exactly what Jesus did.

Jesus Gives People What They Need

When the world offered shame, Jesus offered presence.

When others pointed fingers, Jesus extended His hands.

His mission was clear:

“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” — Luke 19:10

“Lost” doesn’t just mean unbelievers. Sometimes it means those of us who’ve lost our way even while following Christ. The lost are the ones who no longer know where they’re going—Christians and non-Christians alike.

And what do the lost need most? Not judgment. Not distance.

They need the presence of God.

Jesus gives us what we truly need: not condemnation, but connection.

Seeing Through the Eyes of Christ

The song “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath captures this longing beautifully:

“Give me your eyes for just one second,

Give me your eyes so I can see

Everything that I keep missing,

Give me your love for humanity…”

What would it look like for us, as followers of Jesus, to see people the way He does?

To look beyond appearance, politics, or reputation and see the person—the image of God—within?

Every day we walk by people “going somewhere,” as Heath says, yet how often do we truly see them?

The mom holding back tears at the grocery store.

The coworker who laughs a little too loudly to cover the loneliness.

The teen trying to act tough because he’s afraid no one cares.

To follow Jesus is to ask for His eyes—eyes that notice, eyes that care, eyes that move us to action.

One Awkward Moment Could Change a Life

Casting Crowns puts it plainly in “One Awkward Moment”:

“One word, one hand—tell me, is that too high a price?

One awkward moment could be the one that saves a life.”

You never know how God might use your small act of courage to reach someone’s heart.

A conversation.

A prayer.

A moment of kindness.

We often fear saying the wrong thing or being rejected, but what if that one awkward moment is the very thing God uses to open someone’s eyes to His grace?

The Mission of Jesus Is Our Mission Too

At Church gatherings, we talk about growing in Christ, serving others, and sharing our faith.

That’s what this story is all about.

Jesus is still seeking and saving the lost—and He’s doing it through people like you and me.

Through your compassion.

Through your willingness to see people as Jesus does.

Through your “one awkward moment” that becomes a doorway for grace.

May we be a church that sees people—not as labels, but as loved.

May we join Jesus in His mission of seeking and saving the lost, one person, one story, one conversation at a time.

A Prayer to See Like Jesus

Lord,

Give us Your eyes to see those around us who are hurting, lonely, and lost.

Give us courage to love those who feel unlovable.

Give us hearts that reflect Your grace and lives that point to Your presence.

Use us to bring hope where there is despair, and light where there is darkness.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The True Meaning of Discipleship: Follow, Learn, Live

When Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee and called out, “Follow me,” He wasn’t looking for casual acquaintances or part-time fans. He was calling ordinary people—fishermen, tax collectors, doubters, and dreamers—to leave behind their old ways and walk with Him in a new life. That same call echoes across the centuries to us today.

So, what does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus?

1. A Disciple Follows

At its core, being a disciple means following Jesus. Not just agreeing with His teachings or admiring Him from a distance, but actually ordering our lives in such a way that we walk where He leads. It’s a daily decision to say, “Not my way, but Yours, Lord.”

2. A Disciple Learns

The word “disciple” itself means “learner.” A disciple doesn’t have it all figured out but is willing to sit at the feet of Jesus and grow. Through Scripture, prayer, and community, we’re constantly shaped and transformed.

3. A Disciple Lives Out Jesus’ Teachings

Jesus didn’t say, “Know these things.” He said, “Do these things.” A true disciple takes the love, mercy, and forgiveness they’ve received and shares it with others. This looks like serving the poor, forgiving enemies, showing kindness to strangers, and living in a way that points people toward Christ.

4. A Disciple Makes Other Disciples

Jesus’ final words before ascending into heaven were a command: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Being a disciple means helping others encounter Jesus too. It’s not about keeping the Good News to ourselves but multiplying the message of hope and grace.

The Bottom Line

Being a disciple isn’t about perfection—it’s about direction. It’s about setting your heart toward Jesus, taking one step at a time, and trusting Him to lead. Discipleship is not just about believing in Jesus but becoming more like Him each day.

So ask yourself today: Am I just an admirer of Jesus, or am I truly His disciple?

Healing from Brokenness: The Power of Jesus

When Jesus stepped onto the shore of the Gerasenes in Luke 8:26–39, He walked into chaos. A man, tormented and isolated, lived among the tombs. He had no clothes, no community, and no peace. The people had chained him, but even their strongest restraints couldn’t contain the darkness inside him. Yet the moment Jesus arrived, everything began to change.

This story reminds us that no matter how broken, bound, or beyond hope we feel, Jesus is still healing and restoring.

Brokenness Meets the Healer

I’ll admit—I love this story. It’s wild! There are demons, pigs, a cliff, and a lake. It reads like a dramatic scene out of a movie, but it carries one of the most profound truths of the Gospel: Jesus came to bring wholeness where the world only offers quick fixes.

We live in a culture obsessed with “instant results.” Whether it’s a new diet pill, a productivity hack, or a self-help book, we often want transformation without the time or trust it requires. But the healing Jesus offers isn’t a one-click miracle. It’s a process—a journey of grace, grit, and growth.

Wesleyan theology calls this sanctifying grace—the lifelong work of the Holy Spirit shaping us to look more like Christ. Salvation isn’t just a moment; it’s a movement. Jesus doesn’t just set us free; He makes us whole.

What’s Really Broken

When we look back to Genesis 3, we see how deeply the Fall fractured creation. Four relationships were broken:

  1. Our relationship with God – We were created for communion, but sin built a wall of separation.
  2. Our relationship with others – Conflict, betrayal, and pride distort our ability to love well.
  3. Our relationship with ourselves – Fear, shame, and ego twist our self-image and purpose.
  4. Our relationship with creation – The world itself groans under the weight of decay and misuse.

Every sin and every form of suffering traces back to these fractures. But Jesus entered that brokenness—not to condemn it, but to redeem it. Every healing story in Scripture is a glimpse of His mission: to restore what was lost.

Quick Fixes vs. True Restoration

We all try to patch our cracks. Some of us numb our pain with distractions—scrolling, binge-watching, overworking, or escaping into habits that promise relief but deliver emptiness. Others try to fix themselves through self-help or self-reliance, believing we can glue the broken pieces together.

But here’s the truth: when we try to pour living water into a cracked vessel, it leaks. We can’t hold grace on our own.

That’s why we need Jesus—the One who not only mends us but fills our cracks with gold.

In Japanese art, there’s a practice called kintsugi—repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer. The flaws don’t disappear; they become part of the beauty. That’s what Jesus does with us. His healing doesn’t erase our scars—it redeems them. We become stronger, more radiant, and more whole because His grace fills what was once shattered.

Naming What Needs Healing

When Jesus asked the man, “What is your name?”, He wasn’t seeking information—He was inviting transformation. Naming what is broken is the first step toward healing. Denial keeps us chained; confession opens the door to grace.

It’s not about giving evil more power—it’s about giving Jesus authority over it. When we name our fears, our addictions, our bitterness, our grief, we’re saying, “Lord, this is where I need You most.” And He meets us there.

The Ongoing Work of Wholeness

Healing is not always instantaneous. Sometimes it’s slow and sacred—like a sculptor chiseling away what doesn’t belong. The Holy Spirit patiently shapes our hearts, teaching us to forgive, to trust, to love, and to let go.

John Wesley called this going on to perfection—not meaning we become flawless, but that we grow in holy love. As we cooperate with the Spirit, our rough edges are refined, and our hearts reflect Christ more clearly.

And one day, like the man in Luke 8, we’ll find ourselves sitting at Jesus’ feet—clothed, in our right minds, and ready to tell the world all that God has done.

A Call to Reflection

This week, take inventory of your soul.

  • What parts of your life feel whole and full of God’s presence?
    Give thanks for those.
  • What areas still feel cracked or in need of healing?
    Write them down and offer them to God.

Let the Great Healer fill those spaces with grace. And as He does, may your life become a mosaic of mercy—a living testimony of what happens when Jesus heals and restores.

Closing Prayer

Gracious and Holy God,

Thank You for Your healing power and redeeming grace.

Where we are broken, restore us.

Where we are weak, strengthen us.

Where we are lost, guide us.

Fill our cracks with Your love so that we may shine with Your beauty.

Make us whole in body, mind, and spirit,

and send us out to declare all that You have done.

In the name of Jesus, our Healer and Restorer, Amen.

3 Daily Habits to Strengthen Your Relationship with God

Every healthy relationship requires time, communication, and intentional effort. Your relationship with God is no different. If you want your faith to grow stronger, you must invest in it daily. The good news is that God is already reaching toward you. He desires closeness with you more than you can imagine.

The question is: are you taking steps each day to draw closer to Him?

Here are three simple but powerful habits that can help deepen your relationship with God every single day.

1. Spend Time in Prayer

Prayer is your lifeline to God. It is more than presenting a list of needs. It is opening your heart, listening to His Spirit, and aligning your life with His will. Start by setting aside a consistent time each day, even if it is only ten minutes. Be honest in your words. Share your gratitude. Confess your struggles. Ask for wisdom and strength. Most importantly, be still long enough to listen.

2. Read and Reflect on Scripture

The Bible is not just an old book. It is the living Word of God. When you read it, God speaks into your life today. Choose a time and place where you can read without distraction. Start small. Read a chapter or even a few verses and then ask, “What is God showing me here? How does this apply to my life right now?” The goal is not speed but transformation. Let the Word shape your thoughts, decisions, and actions.

3. Worship with Your Whole Life

Worship is not limited to Sunday mornings. True worship happens whenever you honor God with your words, actions, and choices. Sing songs of praise in your car. Thank Him for blessings during the day. Serve others with love. Worship is about living with a heart that points back to God in everything you do.

Building Consistency

You may think, “I am too busy” or “I do not know where to start.” The truth is that small, consistent steps make a big difference over time. Begin by setting a daily rhythm. Maybe you pray while drinking your morning coffee, read Scripture at lunch, and worship by reflecting on God’s goodness before bed. The more you practice these habits, the more natural they will become.

The Promise of Drawing Near

James 4:8 gives us a powerful promise: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Each step you take toward God will never be wasted. He meets you in the quiet moments, in your prayers, in His Word, and in your worship.

If you want a deeper relationship with God, start today. Take one step, then another. Over time, those daily steps will lead you into a life filled with His presence and power.

Resisting Temptation: Jesus’ Guide to Overcoming Weakness

Temptation. It’s not a matter of if we’ll face it, but when.

Luke 3–4 paints a vivid picture: Jesus is baptized, the heavens open, and the Father declares, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Immediately afterward, Jesus—full of the Holy Spirit—is led into the wilderness. For forty days He faces the devil’s testing, without food, weary in body, and seemingly at His weakest.

And yet, in His hunger and humanity, Jesus shows us what true strength looks like.

Temptation Always Finds Our Weak Spots

The devil doesn’t waste energy attacking where we’re strong—he comes for the cracks in the armor. Just like the Monty Python Black Knight, whittled down piece by piece, temptation chips away until we’re worn thin.

For Jesus, the weakness was physical hunger. For us, it might be grief, stress, late-night loneliness, or exhaustion. Temptation often comes when we’re least prepared.

And at its core, temptation is always about this:

Will we trust God…or take matters into our own hands?

The Three Temptations of Jesus (and Ours Too)

  1. Turn stones into bread (Luke 4:3–4)
    The temptation of the flesh—meeting our own needs apart from God’s provision. We don’t like discomfort, so we numb it with screens, food, busyness, or distractions. But Jesus reminds us: “One does not live by bread alone.”
  2. All the kingdoms of the world (Luke 4:5–8)
    The temptation of the eyes—chasing power, possessions, and prestige. The devil whispers: “If you just bow down, you can have it all.” But Jesus resists: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.”
  3. Throw yourself down from the Temple (Luke 4:9–12)
    The temptation of pride—forcing God’s hand, demanding proof of His care. But Jesus knows: we don’t need to test God to trust Him.

Each temptation sounds close enough to truth to feel reasonable. That’s why it’s dangerous. Temptation always twists God’s Word just enough to get us to doubt His character.

The Power of Identity

How did Jesus resist?

It wasn’t willpower. It wasn’t even His divine nature. It was His identity. Before the wilderness, He had heard the Father’s voice at baptism: “You are my Son, the Beloved. With you I am well pleased.”

That identity sustained Him. Even when empty in stomach, His heart and spirit were full of God’s presence.

And that’s true for us too. In baptism—or in the moment we realize God has claimed us—we are named His children. That identity is stronger than any whisper of temptation.

Living Free in Christ’s Victory

Temptation will still come. The serpent still whispers in the late-night hours, in the stress, in the grief. But here’s the good news: temptation has no final power over us.

Because of the cross, we live in Christus Victor—Christ the Victor. His victory is our victory. The Spirit within us gives power to say no when we feel weak, to trust when everything in us wants control, and to walk faithfully when shortcuts look easier.

As Paul reminds us, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

A Word for You Today

Where are you tempted to stop trusting God?

Where do you feel weakest—grief, loneliness, stress, weariness?

Remember: Jesus has already walked this road. He knows what it feels like to be tempted. And He shows us that freedom is possible—not because we’re strong enough, but because He is.

Jesus is free from the power of temptation. And in Him, so are we.

Transform Your Prayer Life with Boldness

If you are honest, most of your prayers probably sound something like this: “Lord, keep me safe. Help me through this day. Bless my family. Be with my church.”

Those are good prayers. But are they bold?

When I look at Scripture, I see people who prayed with the kind of faith that shook heaven and earth. Joshua prayed and the sun stood still. Hannah prayed and God gave her a child. Elijah prayed and fire came down from heaven. The early church prayed and prison doors flew open.

They were not afraid to ask God for what seemed impossible. They trusted that the God who created the heavens and the earth was powerful enough to act on their behalf.

So here is the question for you today: Are you praying boldly enough?

Why We Hold Back

Many of us shrink our prayers because we fear disappointment. What if God does not answer the way we want? What if nothing happens? Rather than risk our faith being shaken, we pray safe prayers that do not cost us much.

But safe prayers rarely change lives. Safe prayers rarely move mountains. Safe prayers keep us comfortable while bold prayers push us deeper into trust.

Bold Prayers Require Bold Faith

Praying boldly does not mean treating God like a genie who grants wishes. Bold prayer is rooted in surrender. It is saying, “God, I believe You can do more than I imagine. I trust Your timing. I trust Your will. And I am asking You to move in power.”

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 3:20 that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us. That verse is a challenge. If we only pray what we can imagine, we will miss out on what God is capable of doing beyond our imagination.

Take the Next Step

Here is a challenge for you this week:

  1. Write down one bold prayer that scares you a little to even ask.
  2. Pray it every single day, believing God can answer.
  3. Share it with a trusted friend who will pray with you.

Do not be afraid to ask for the impossible. Your prayers do not have to be eloquent. They only need to be real, surrendered, and bold.

Imagine what might happen if you prayed with the kind of faith that expects God to move.

The question is not whether God is able. The question is whether you are willing to trust Him enough to ask.

So, are you praying boldly enough?