Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. MATTHEW 4:1-2 NLT
Just because I am in the desert does not mean God has deserted me
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. ROMANS 5:3-5 NLT
For my faith to grow sometimes I must be led where I don’t want to go
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.” 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.’” MATTHEW 4:3-4 NLT
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 2 TIMOTHY 4:3 NLT
Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 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.’” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.’” MATTHEW 4:5-7 NLT
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. JAMES 1:5 NLT
Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ. 2 CORINTHIANS 10:1 NLT
For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 1 PETER 2:21 NLT
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. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “If you will kneel down and worship me.” “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.’” Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus. MATTHEW 4:8-11 NLT
Find a quiet place where you can be alone with God. Spend a few moments imagining what it might have felt like to stand where Jesus stood at the edge of the desert. He has just been baptized at the Jordan River, where he was recognized and blessed by God. What would it feel like to come from such a place of blessing only to stand staring into the desert, knowing that you would become hungry, thirsty and face a choice to either exercise your faith or be tempted to leave it behind to follow your desires. In what way could God be inviting you into this decision in your own life? As you consider this, talk to God about what this brings up in you. Receive encouragement that as you move forward, you will not be alone. Jesus has already walked this way, and he will be with you where you are now to strengthen, guide and encourage you. As you move through your week, remember to pause and make room for his presence.