What He said…
In a time of confusion, when it seems there are more questions than answers and when things seem to keep getting crazier in this world, life can be made simple by focusing on what He said…
One of my 100’s of favorite passages in the Bible is the first recorded temptation of Jesus. You can find it in Matthew 4:1-11. Jesus had fasted for 40 days and nights and he was hungry - really, really hungry. The Bible tells us, “the tempter came to Him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’” But Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
I used to read this and think - yeah but isn’t He hungry? I mean, He could. Will God’s word really be enough to satisfy hunger? How does that work? It was a very worldly perspective.
You see, it wasn’t about hunger at all. It was about sonship. The tempter had said, “If you are the Son of God…”. Jesus didn’t need to turn stones into bread to prove His sonship. God had already called Him “Son”. A few verses back, at the end of Matthew 3, Jesus was baptized. When He came up from the water, the Bible tells us, “And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’” “This is My beloved Son…” Wow! Jesus was pointing out that He lives by what God says. Jesus is God’s Son because He said so…and no amount of proving is necessary.
God tells us many things. I used to overanalyze everything (sometimes I have a tendency to still do it). Things get much simpler for me when I stop, listen and believe Him.
For example (NKJV):
Psalms 32:8 - I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Deuteronomy 31:8 - And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
James 1:2-3 - My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Philippians 4:6-7 - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:8-9 - Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Exodus 14:14 - The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.
Romans 8:28-29 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Exodus 20:12 - Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.
Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Mark 11:24 - Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
Romans 8:16 - The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God…
Galatians 4:6 - And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba Father!”
Romans 8:14 - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
John 1:12 - But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
Galatians 3:26 - For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
1 John 3:1-2 - Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
There are so many, many more. Lets us take a note from Jesus and simply trust what God says. The world will continue to toss lies and confusion in our direction that will make things appear insurmountable. Whatever challenges you face or heavy yoke and burdens you carry, look for the simple answers in His word and talk to God about it.
God bless you!
