Victory In The Wilderness

We all go through wilderness experiences in life. These types of experiences are times of trial and molding of our character. We may feel like these experiences are solely an attack by the enemy and we get into fight mode. But Jesus has given us so much insight into the wilderness experience. After Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit immediately drove Jesus into the wilderness. Jesus then fasted for 40 days. At the end of the fast, satan came on the scene at a seemingly vulnerable time for Jesus. He tried to tempt Jesus three times. Each time Jesus shot back with the Word of the Lord, the Sword of the Spirit. Satan had no chance. Jesus was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Luke 4:13 says, “Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.”

But the story does not end there. Luke 4:14-15 says, “Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.” The wilderness experience was a place of battle and victory. That victory was then carried out into the world to set people free. So our wilderness experiences are crucial for our own spiritual growth but also for others. The wilderness experience is a temporary place. We are not meant to remain there permanently. When we submit to the Holy Spirit and His Word, we come out of the wilderness in His power and authority. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I submit to You in this wilderness experience. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Put Your Word in my mouth to overcome the evil one. Cause my life to shine with Your Glory to be a witness for You in the earth.