“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Matthew 4:1

Temptation in the Wilderness

I once participated in an athletic event that covered a hundred miles through the California desert. It was a test of my strength and my will. It challenged me physically and mentally. It showed me where my strengths were and targeted my weaknesses. It was hot, dry, and seemingly endless, but I learned much through the experience. At the end, I understood better who I was and what I was made of.

The Spirit of God led the Son of God into the wilderness to be tested of the devil. Jesus was launching His public ministry. He immediately confronted His adversary, giving the evil one every advantage. Take your best shot! Jesus was hungry and, I assume, thirsty. He was weakened by fasting. He had been alone and isolated. He had endured for weeks. And at His weakest point, the devil came to Him. That’s what the devil does. He loves to hit us when we are weak and depleted.

Jesus prevailed because He depended on the Word of God His Father. His faith in God was assailed, but withstood every assault. He was tested. He knew who He was and He knew His calling and purpose upon the earth. He did not waver. Although His body was weak, His heart was sure and His will was certain. He triumphed over every temptation. The will of the Father was His only desire.

Our faith will be tested. Our faith must resist temptation. This is a spiritual war. We should expect a battle. We should expect resistance from a determined enemy. Our hearts will be challenged. Do we truly believe what we say we believe? In the wilderness, temptation seeks the truth of where our heart’s allegiances lie. These tests are part of God’s will for us. Not so that He would know our hearts, but that we would know it. Will we withstand our own desires, the need of our flesh, the wandering weakness of our thoughts, and instead choose God – for God Himself?

We will come to know better His strengths in our weaknesses. We will be better prepared for ministry because of enduring the crucible of temptations. In this wilderness we will be strengthened and equipped for greater works.

“Father, You meet us there in every wilderness experience. You are strength and You are the reason we endure even this. Forever You are faithful. Jesus is our example of victory over our enemy. Glory to God. Amen.”