My Bible reading notes (UBC) were so brilliant today, I am quoting them here in full…
Enjoy!

“Each one is tempted… James 1:14

Notice the three areas in which satan tempted Christ:

1)PROVISION ‘Command that these stones become bread’ (Matthew 4:3 NKJV). This addresses one of our greatest fears-that if we don’t look out for ourselves nobody else will.

So Jesus says: ‘Do not worry, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear?’… your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’ (Matthew 6:31-33 NKJV).

2) PROTECTION Satan took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and said, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: He shall give His angels charge over you” (Matthew 4:5-6 NKJV). This addresses another of our core fears-that God may not protect us. Satan whispers, ‘You’re on the pinnacle of success right now, but you could easily go over the edge.’ When you start thinking like that, claim this promise: ‘In the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion’ (Psalm 27:5 NKJV).

3) POSITION ‘The devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me. Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve” (Matthew 4:8-10 NKJV).

Now, there’s nothing wrong with wanting provision, protection and position. The temptation is to try and get them through your own devices and for your own ends.”

I thought this was so helpful.
There are many ways in which the things that concern us are connected to these three things aren’t there?
Provision: will I have all I need?
Protection : will what I have be stolen?
Position: will who I am and my reputation stay the same?

If we believe that we are in charge of these things we will not have a moment’s peace. But if we believe in God for HIS provision, protection and positioning of us, we will be FULL of peace – not people-pleasers, but God-honourers.

I was gutted recently to have been offered a fabulous opportunity to do something that I have longed to do for months. I had prayed to be counted worthy of the chance and then it was given to me. Just at a time I couldn’t do it. Pah!!

Previously I would have been anxious about whether I would lose standing if I said no. But I had a commitment that I didn’t feel it right to release myself from. I prayed that God would count me worthy of a further invitation, in His timing. I have learnt, and am still learning, not to ask Him for things in my own understanding.

What I prayed for was given to me earlier this week. Praise God!

His timing is perfect. His ways are perfect. His will is perfect. His love for you and for me is perfect.

To be tempted is not a crime. Jesus was tempted. But He knew who was in charge of His provision, His protection and His position.

The question is, do you?