Thanks for joining us on this journey of building a consistent habit of reading our Bibles every day. The Bible reading plan we are using this year can be found here: One Year Bible or here on the Bible app. As always, if you miss a day, don’t feel compelled to go back and catch up. Just skip it and start back on today’s date. I am reading the NLT this year, but feel free to use whatever version you prefer. Now here are some thoughts from today’s readings:
The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.
– Mark 1:12-13
Wait, what? The Spirit sent Jesus into the wilderness for what? Why would God send Jesus into the wilderness if He knew Jesus was going to be tempted by the devil? The bible says that God Himself tempts no man, but don’t let that make your think God won’t allow you to be tempted.
Is it possible that God leads us into wildness seasons of being tempted, too? That may not sound like fun (and I’m sure it’s not), but look at what happens next. After being tempted in the wilderness, Jesus immediately steps into His ministry calling, healing people and changing lives. Is it possible that if we will fast and be faithful during our wilderness, temptation season, is it possible that the Lord launches is into our destiny?
If you are in a tough season, be encouraged! Remain faithful. Maybe do a little fasting and a lot of praying. The great future God has planned for you maybe right around the corner. God is absent from your trial. In fact, it may just be that He led you to this point because He knows you’ll have victory. So trust God and press into the wilderness. Don’t let the enemy convince you that you’re beaten. He’s just worried that you’re about have breakthrough!
Are you in a tough season or have you been in one before? How did you or are you planning on doing to press into God? What did you/are you learning?