Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:16-17 NKJV
How many disobey the will of God because they are enticed by something that seems pleasant? They pursue it and find fun, happiness, or excitement—but only for a season.
Too often people leave the very places—jobs, churches, cities—where God has planted them because it is difficult or because they disagree with authorities set over them. Soon an opportunity comes along, and even though there is no witness from the Holy Spirit telling them to depart, they leave.
By contrast, consider Jesus. He was in the desert for forty days and nights without water, food, or comfort. Hunger pains pierced His belly as starvation began its harsh work. If He didn’t have food and water soon, He would die. But what came first: provision or temptation?
In that desert, temptation came first. But though the enemy enticed Jesus with an alternate path, He resisted and waited for God’s provision. And God didn’t fail:
Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. (Matthew 4:11 NKJV)
Even under the pressure of hardship and temptation, Jesus would not allow the enemy to pervert the character of God in His mind. He knew His Father provided for His needs. He remained submitted to God’s authority, no matter how unpleasant it was at the moment. This obedience and submission blocked the enemy’s access to His life.
Jesus is our example and forerunner. He is the One who paid the price and lit the path for us to walk on. We are no longer destined for the ways of rebellion and lawlessness. We are called and empowered to walk in the ways of obedience.
Do you feel tempted to take an opportunity God said no to? Or perhaps you disagree with God or the authorities He placed over you, and you feel justified in taking matters into your own hands. Let’s learn from Jesus and follow hard after His obedience. Only then will we experience the liberty, provision, and protection His authority provides.
Adapted From Under Cover: The Promise of Protection Under His Authority (Thomas Nelson 2001).
