Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. —Matthew 4:1
Do you want a successful life and ministry? Then expect God to give you some desert experiences.
Jesus had a powerful earthly ministry. Luke 4:14–15 tells us that He “returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread throughout the entire vicinity. He was teaching in their synagogues, being praised by everyone.”
There’s something important there. When it says He “returned to Galilee,” where was He returning from? From the desert.
This successful ministry came after Jesus faced danger, loneliness, and temptation for forty days in the desert. God had been preparing Jesus for His earthly ministry during this difficult time.
Maybe it feels like you’re in a desert—what seems like a hopeless, never-ending situation. Can I encourage you? God may be fitting you for future service. He may want to use your “life message” in a powerful way, so trust Him and let Him prepare you for what lies ahead.
Make it Personal
How has God used desert experiences in the past to prepare you for what lies ahead?