The Desert
© Judi Barrett 2002,
Have you been in the desert
With temptations on every hand?
And you’re not sure how to handle
What satan throws at man?
Remember that our Savior
Was once a man like you,
And He went to the desert
And was tempted by satan too.
The desert is a testing ground
And will prove a heart that’s true.
Not necessarily on a map
It can be inside of you.
There are many kinds of temptations
The devil knows every kind.
He’ll push all your buttons
If you give him half a mind.
Before Jesus began to preach
Into the desert He went,
With the Holy Spirit leading Him
Days of preparation were spent.
After Jesus fasted many days
Satan saw the opportune time,
“If You are the Son of God”
Turn rocks into bread and dine.”
What if into bread,
Christ had turned the stones?
Where was the harm?
No one would have known.
Man’s logic often suits
The devil just fine,
Often we hang ourselves
If given enough line.
But Jesus said ---------
Man hungers for more than just bread.
It’s by the WORD of GOD
That man’s hunger is truly fed.
Then the devil took our Lord
To
“If You are the “SON of GOD”
This thrill you should seek.”
“Jump off of this temple
See if angels break your fall.
Didn’t God promise they’d be
At Your beck and call?”
What if Jesus had taken the bait
And given into Satan’s words,
Just once won’t hurt anything,
Is this what we’ve said or heard?
But our Redeemer’s answer was to the point
And dealt with the temptation best,
It is written – do not put
The LORD your GOD to the test!!
Do we respond as appropriately
When Satan tempts us sore?
Or do we allow him to move on in
By not closing THAT door.
Look down now from this
Tall mountain height.
“Worship me,” said satan,
“I’ll give you splendor and might.”
How often does man compromise
His beliefs to climb the ladder?
That’s just the way things are done,
And it really doesn’t matter.
What if Jesus had taken a short cut
To establish a kingdom – wrong though it would be?
What if He had bowed to satan
Where would that leave you and me?
Do the choices that we make
Have any bearing on others?
You bet they do – and not just
On our sisters and brothers.
But Jesus the man knew what to say:
“You must worship only the LORD
Your GOD – satan, get away!!”
So if you’re in the desert
And feeling really tired,
God’s WORD has the answer
To avoid being mired.
God sent his angels to Jesus then,
And they gave Him what He needed.
He’ll do the same for you and me,
Often, basic necessities exceeded.
There will be many deserts in your life,
True colors your chance to show,
Satan’s not going to let you slip by,
Remember he’s a persistent foe.
But just like Jesus in the desert,
The
Then God promises to meet the needs
Of His Children that Jesus bought.
© Copyright, Judi Barrett. All rights reserved. Please contact me for permission to reprint.