In the Wilderness

Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. (Luke 4:1, 2 NKJV) 

It always seemed strange to me that the Holy Spirit would lead Jesus to a miserable place in the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. For forty days he was bombarded with selfish thoughts, evil ideas and loveless deeds. Then I noticed that he had been "filled" before he would be drilled. It's easy to relate to this as most of my hardest challenges come right after my greatest victories. Perhaps that is your story too.

There is nothing that you and I will ever be subject to that God won't give strength to endure or a way to escape. You can face anything with faith and win! So today, if you find yourself being led into a wilderness area, know that God is getting ready to strengthen you so that you will be able to rise higher and do more!