Jesus was filled with the spirit when He was led to the desert to be tempted. A lot of times, people make the mistake of believing that if you’re being tempted, tested, or going through a storm that it’s because you’ve done something wrong or that God is punishing you. What some fail to realize is:
- God does not bring you into or allow you to go through a situation that He is not fully prepared and willing to carry and supply you through.
Yes, Jesus was tested and this was a difficult time, but the Spirit also led Him and gave Him all the knowledge and strength He needed to pass the test. All Jesus needed to do was trust God was with Him through it all, and follow the Spirit’s promptings no matter how His body felt.
And
2. God brings you to and allows you to go through difficulties to solidify your faith in Him and to make you stronger.
If you can, think about a time when a friend of yours was there for you when you most needed them. They could’ve been there with advice, or comforting words, or simply a shoulder to cry on. Having them be there for you during that situation bonded you more with them, didn’t it? Going through that and having them there helped you to trust them more and believe that the next time you needed them, they’d be there for you in whatever capacity you might need. It’s the same with God, only infinitely better. God may not be visible, but His help is more real than anything any friend or person could ever offer you. Every time you turn to Him for help, He’s there for you. Countless times in the Bible, no matter what His people did, God would always respond to the cry of His people. No matter how many times they sinned or turned from Him, He always forgave and brought them out of their situations when they repented and asked Him for help. James 4:8 says “come near to God and He will come near to you.” Trust He’s there for you through the storm. And once you trust and He brings you through, you’ll find you’ve grown stronger in spirit and faith than you were at first.
If you listen to nothing else I ever tell you, please listen to this: God knows what’s good for you so much better than you think you know. No matter how much or little sense His plan may seem to you, trust without a shadow of a doubt that everything He does and allows is for your benefit and the furtherance of His kingdom.
Reading: Luke 4:-2