When Does Temptation Come?

Have you ever been minding your own business, when wham!, you are hit with a heavy-duty temptation. It might be an evil thought, a lustful one, or even doubt.

You wonder, where did that come from? Answer: the devil.

Yes, we play a part in our own temptation, but there is clearly an enemy who comes with his enticements. He knows how to "package his wares" and make bad things look good. That's because "things forbidden have a secret charm."

It is important to know that temptation and attack often come after times of great blessing.

It was after a time of great blessing in the life of Jesus that He was tempted by Satan. Jesus had just been baptized by His cousin John the Baptist. The Holy Spirit had descended on Him in the form of a dove, and the Heavenly Father proudly said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

But Luke's Gospel tells us, "Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil" (Luke 4:1–2).

It was after the dove that the devil came. After the blessing comes the trial. Times of attack often come after "mountaintop" experiences.

We read of when Jesus was on the mountaintop with Moses and Elijah. Once again, God spoke, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!"

As they descended from the mountain, a man with a demon-possessed child was waiting. Whenever God speaks, the devil will be there to oppose.

So what is the solution? It is to be aware of this truth, and always keep your guard up. Then the next time those "flaming arrows" of temptation come your way, you will know to put up your shield!