Today's Scripture

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.

Luke 4:1–2, NIV

Led by the Spirit

you would think that as Jesus was about to start His ministry, being full of the Holy Spirit, God would send Him to Jerusalem where He’d hold big meetings and do miracles, or to the synagogues to teach the multitudes. But the Scripture says that the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted.

You can be in the barren wilderness and be in God’s will. You can be in the hot desert by design. The Spirit led you there. You know you have God’s favor, you know He’s put big things in your heart, but you’re in a dry place. You’re not seeing any growth, doors aren’t opening, and the opposition is stronger than ever. You could get discouraged and complain. This is when you have to dig down deep and say, “God, I trust You. You led me here. I know I’m in this desert to pass this test, to stand strong and have my character strengthened.” If you have the right attitude, you’ll come out stronger, with greater confidence, greater courage, greater faith. You’ll come out of the dry place into an abundant place.


A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that my life is in Your hands, and Your Spirit leads me. Thank You for the silent seasons, the desert places, for the times of testing when I don’t always understand where You’re taking me. I trust You to take me through the desert into something bigger for my future. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”