Before God Lifts You Higher, The Enemy Will Test You Here First

Just before God is about to use you in a powerful way, the enemy often launches his most strategic attacks. That battle you’re facing right now—those moments of discouragement, temptation, or confusion—could actually be the final push before your breakthrough, your promotion, and your step into the divine purpose God prepared for you.

When we look at Matthew 4, we see that Jesus Himself faced four types of attacks before His ministry began—and these are the same tactics the enemy uses against us today.

1. An Attack on Your Identity
Satan’s first words to Jesus were, “If You are the Son of God…” He wanted Jesus to doubt who He was. In the same way, the enemy whispers to you: Are you really loved? Are you truly called? Does God really favor you? If he can get you to question your identity, he can shake the very foundation of your calling.
But the Holy Spirit confirms your adoption into God’s family, reminding you that you belong to Him. Your worth isn’t rooted in feelings, failures, or the opinions of others—it’s anchored in what God has already declared about you.

2. An Attack Through Fleshly Cravings
The second temptation was aimed at a physical need: “Turn these stones into bread.” The enemy knows our weak points—those cravings we think are harmless or “under control.” But small compromises in private can cripple your public ministry later.
The devil will tempt you to choose comfort over calling, to soothe your flesh at the cost of your spirit. What you feed grows. If you feed the flesh, it will eventually overpower your effectiveness for God.

3. An Attack Through the Pressure to Perform
Next, Satan told Jesus to throw Himself from the temple to prove His identity. This is the trap of spiritual performance—doing things for God, but also for the validation of people. It can lead us to manufacture moments, manipulate outcomes, or force open doors before God’s timing.
When your worth is anchored in human approval, criticism will crush you. But when you release the need to perform, you can walk in the freedom of simply trusting and obeying God.

4. An Attack with the Promise of Power Without the Process
Finally, the devil offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship—power without the cross. This is compromise for gain. Some trade intimacy with God for influence, status, or wealth. The enemy always offers a shortcut that avoids sacrifice, but shortcuts delay true destiny.
Real promotion comes when you refuse to trade what’s sacred for what’s temporary. Influence without intimacy is empty.

The Path to Victory
You don’t overcome these attacks by shouting at the devil—you overcome by knowing who you are, resisting what he offers, and standing firm in God’s Word. Refuse to let temptation rewrite your identity, redirect your purpose, or replace your intimacy with God.

If you’re under attack today, take heart—it might be because you’re closer than ever to stepping into your calling. Stay faithful. The promotion God gives can’t be taken away, and the doors He opens no man can shut.