Temptations

In Matthew 4, Satan tries to tempt Jesus. Jesus had been fasting for forty days, and Satan tried to convince him that it was worth it to change stones into bread.

In my New Testament class, we talked about how Satan tries to offer us the easy way. He tries to get us to take instant gratification with eternal consequences. God offers eternal gratification, though we may have to wait longer and work to receive it.

This really hit a chord with me this week, as I was feeling bitter about my personal life. I realized that Satan wants me to get angry about having to wait, so it would be easier to tempt me to make the wrong choice. Satan tries to make all of us impatient, when really we need to trust in God's plan.

The Virgin Mary

You know, sometimes I think we underestimate the spiritual strength of the earthly mother of Jesus Christ. She was shunned and despised. Luke 2 talks about how there was no room in the inn for her to give birth.

Think about that: If a heavily pregnant woman was looking for shelter, wouldn't you help? And it gets worse: this is Bethlehem, where Joseph (and Mary's, as she was his cousin) family is. No one is willing to help Mary, even though they're most likely related to her. Can you imagine being refused by your own flesh and blood?

Mary was one of the strongest women to ever walk the earth. I believe that Satan was trying his hardest to weaken her, but Mary did not let her faith waver. I think we can all take a page from Mary's book, and that we should remember to stay firm in our faith, no matter what Satan throws at us.