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He Waits Until You’re Weak, Worn, and Weary

ByShaquila Glass

The Enemy’s Attacks in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)

Test 1 – Physical Needs & Identity
The first test the enemy brings is centered on Jesus’ physical hunger—but it’s also an attack on His identity.

“If you are the Son of God…” (Matthew 4:3)

It’s a line meant to lure Jesus into proving who He is. And it happens right at the beginning of His public ministry—an attempt to stop the movement of God before it even begins.

Sometimes, when we’re just stepping into our calling or purpose, the enemy comes in with the same tactics:
Imposter syndrome.

That voice that says:

  • Did God really choose you for this?
  • Doesn’t your past disqualify you?
  • What will people think because of who you used to be?

Imposter syndrome makes you feel like you have to prove yourself to people.
But when that happens, the focus shifts from God to self, and that becomes a form of pride—which slowly drains the very calling you’re trying to walk in.

But Jesus’ response is iconic.
He ignores the identity attack.
He never addresses “If you are the Son of God.”

Instead, He simply responds to the temptation:
“It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3)

When you know who you are and walk in your God-given purpose, you don’t have to answer character assassinations.

Test 2 – Spiritual Needs & Twisted Scripture
The enemy tries again. For the second time, he questions Jesus’ identity—and this time, he uses scripture to do it.

“Throw yourself down, for it is written: He will command His angels concerning you.” (Matthew 4:6, quoting Psalm 91:11–12)

This reference to Psalm 91—a passage about trusting God completely. But Satan twists it to try and get Jesus to test God, which would violate what’s written in Deuteronomy 6:16:
“Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

This test shows how the enemy can even weaponize the Word of God when our guard is down.

And notice—this was the second time Satan tried to attack Jesus’ identity.
Even with the Son of God, he came back for another attempt.
So don’t be surprised if, after passing one test, you find yourself in another.

➡️ Just because you passed the test once doesn’t mean the enemy gives up.
He prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

Test 3 – Emotional Needs & the Need for Validation
By the third test, the devil stops attacking Jesus’ character and goes straight for the human desire for validation and power.

He offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if He would just bow down and worship him. (Matthew 4:8–9)

For some, that would sound like a fair deal.
But Jesus rebukes him immediately:
“You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.” (Matthew 4:10)

And with that, the devil left Him.
Resist the devil, and he will flee. (James 4:7)

The enemy came when Jesus was tired, hungry, and vulnerable—because that’s what the enemy does. He strikes when we’re already worn down.

My Own Wilderness Testing

After returning from Brazil, I stepped into my own season of testing—physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

I had said yes to God’s new direction. I had just accepted the shift to pursue a Master of Divinity—something I didn’t feel qualified for.

And right at that moment, the attacks came.

  • Physically: I had been strong throughout the mission trip. Minimal headaches. No body aches, even though I was off my medication. No brain fog. No depression. No anxiety. No PTSD while riding in vehicles. But the moment I submitted my application, the physical symptoms came back—stronger than ever.
  • Spiritually: I was drained. I had poured out everything in me to everyone I encountered in Brazil. I came home and had to see my clients again in the U.S.—but I had nothing left to give. I was spiritually empty and desperately needed to be refilled. The enemy used that exhaustion to attack my purpose, my calling, and even my relationship with God.
  • Emotionally: This one cut deep.
    I began to wonder:
    Will the deepest desires of my heart be ignored now that I’ve said yes?

After losing my mother, my longing for a mother-child bond has only intensified—and the only way to experience that again is to become a mother myself. But as I followed God’s new direction, I began to wonder if that desire was slowly being written out of the plan.

And if I’m honest, I don’t know if that’s something I’m willing to let go of.

The enemy began pulling at my heart, whispering:

  • Does what you want even matter to God?
  • Would you still say yes if it meant giving up the one thing you want most?

I’m not Jesus. But His responses in Matthew 4 gave me strength.

My days of physical, spiritual, and emotional testing didn’t end with quick relief.
But they reminded me that even Jesus was attacked when He was most vulnerable.

And He didn’t fight with feelings—
He fought with truth.

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