Today is Your Day, part 41

Warriors Arise: June 19, 2021

Matthew 4:3-4 (NKJV) Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

Has anyone ever challenged who you are? "I know who you are. You are David Lee's daughter." Those words would make me straighten up on the inside. I wasn't sure where they were going with their statement after that, but it definitely set the bar a little higher. They knew my dad and because they knew my dad, they already had ideas about me.

The tempter comes challenging Jesus to prove who He is. He really didn't ask anything that the Pharisees and Sadducess had asked Jesus. "Prove yourself. Oh Give us a sign." Jesus did not yield to them.

Why wouldn't Jesus perform for the tempter? Jesus had nothing to prove.

When you and I know who we are something in us changes. We no longer feel the pressure of living up to what others think we should be. When we know who we are, we have the choice to live like that person or to try to live as someone we were never created to be. People who try to live as they were not created to be are unsettled, angry, depressed, stressed, and in conflict within themselves which eventually will disrupt all the other relationships they have in their life. God is incredible in His way of revealing to each one of us who we are.

When I was insecure in who I was, I would literally tremble inside when people would say, "You are Dave Lee's daughter." I thought, "I must be in trouble and they are going to tell my Dad." When I realized I hadn't done anything wrong, it is was an honor to be recognized as Dave Lee's daughter. Then I would smile and say, "Yes, I am." I had nothing to prove. I had nothing to hide. I am who I am. I am Dave and Linda Lee's daughter. I've made my mistakes and had the opportunity to learn many lessons. I have been given training to be a good worker, responsible and problem solve. I have been given encouragement to do my best even if I'm not the best. I continue to glean from my parent's wisdom and apply what I comprehend. They have allowed me to learn from my mistakes and grow forward so as not to repeat them. I am the daughter of Dave and Linda Lee.

What I like about Jesus' response to the tempter. He doesn't even answer the tempter. He doesn't say, "Of course I am the Son of God. Can't you recognize me?" The tempter wanted Jesus to prove who He was, but he said too much. It gave Jesus the opportunity to not answer who He was, but address the loop hole the tempter had provided. Jesus could command the stones to be turned into bread, but He knew the Word. He was the Word.

John 1:1-5 (NKJV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Since Jesus was the Word and had no issue with defining who He was. The thing that bothered Him was the Word being misused. That is what He addressed with the tempter, the misusage of the Word. Think about that for a moment. When someone wants to challenge who you are, as a Christian, how do you respond? Do you pause long enough to listen to how you need to address their lack of understanding of the Word? Do you make it about you, "Yes, I am a Christians, what of it?" Or do you make it about God, listening for why they have asked if you are a Christian? If we listen closely we may see that God brought them to us to clarify His Word and give them understanding of the right use of His Word. The right use of His Word brings freedom.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Through the Word, the fulfillment of the Word, Jesus intends to bring forth the plans of God.

Luke 4:16-21 (NKJV) So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” 20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Jesus did not sway from what His mission was. He had nothing to prove. He had a mission to fulfill. He had His Father's love to release to empower His children to overcome the tempter. When you and I know who we are, who we are becomes more than just words or a title. Who we are is displayed in what we do.

Father, that is huge! Who I am is displayed in what I do. What I do reveals my heart, my character, my ability, my strength, being able to follow as well as lead, being able to take a stand and get on my knees. Who I am doesn't mean I have to prove myself. It means I am to be who God created me to be. I am loved by You. I live and breathe and move by Your amazing love. You are faithful to sustain me and position me to thrive. You are my solid rock, the firm foundation upon which I stand. I trust You with my entire being. You are my God and there is no other in Jesus' name I pray! Amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy Hand

My hope is for Believers in Jesus Christ to join together each day to pray, to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth against the coronavirus, riots, and lies. The prayers will be listed each day as Warriors Arise. I will put a date with it so we can keep them straight. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.