Filled and Led by the Spirit

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. It was there that for forty days he was bombarded with selfish thoughts, evil ideas and loveless deeds and even hunger pains. Then I noticed that he had been filled with the Holy Spirit BEFORE that WILDerness path. Filled with the power of the Spirit before being grilled by the enemy. He was filled with the Spirit and led by the Spirit. God always provides the strength that we need, even in the lonely , desolate places! My experience is that most of my hardest challenges seem to come right after my greatest victories. Maybe 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 and a way to walk through. You can face anything with faith and win! So today, if you find yourself being led into a wilderness area, don't let it drive you away from the Lord. God is getting ready to strengthen you. The purpose of a challenge is to pull you close to Himself. Draw near to Him and He will surely draw nearer to you. 

#cupofjoe #wildernesspower #WILDerness