With so many changes surrounding all of us, it is important to remember God’s instructions to “Take every thought captive.” 2 Corinthians 10:5  

But what does that mean?

 Jesus sets a perfect example when he was tested by the enemy in Matthew 4:1–11. Notice, as you read through this passage, how Christ handles His thoughts so that His response is completely in line with the Word of God.

 Matthew 4:1-11 says, Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. ² For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.

³ During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

⁴ But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,

‘People do not live by bread alone,

but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, ⁶ and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,

‘He will order his angels to protect you.

And they will hold you up with their hands

so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’ ”

⁷ Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

⁸ Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. ⁹ “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”

¹⁰ “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say,

‘You must worship the Lord your God

and serve only him.’”

¹¹ Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.

 Jesus, sets the perfect example for taking our thoughts captive. His response was measured. 

Our response to adversity needs to be rooted in the faith that God has given us.

 Whether it is dealing with a virus, a loss of income, or uncertainty for the future, we have an opportunity to follow closely God’s heart. 

During this time remember to pray for each other, brighten someone’s day with a note or text, and share the encouragement that you yourself have received from Christ.