Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. Luke 4:1-2 NIV.
Be careful in your wilderness! Although I am present, it is a harsh, dry and lonely place, quite unlike the green pastures that you are accustomed to living in. The paths are not well trodden, although many have wandered into this terrain. The greatest dangers are not from the wilderness wildlife and land, but from your own frailty.
Be careful of your temptations! You will be challenged to justify any and all actions because of your circumstances. The drum beat of self-love will be very pronounced in the subtle ways of making sure that you never feel uncomfortable. The self-love mantra speaks – Don’t hunger, don’t let yourself feel pain, don’t be left out, hide your fear, trust only yourself, put your needs of your family first, or feel justified for any action. Hoarding is fearful greed. Lust of the eyes influences you to hurry and buy, instead of save and spend wisely. Maturity is learned in the desert, learn the value of postponing immediate gratification. Find the joy of giving and sharing, when everyone else is looking inward.
Many have shipwrecked their lives during the trials of stress. King Saul was unwilling to wait for Samuel to arrive and follow My leading. Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it. Peter could not bear the thought of My Son’s death and spoke the advice of the adversary. John Mark left Paul and Barnabas when the ministry became too tough. You too, will be faced with decisions that are influenced by fears deep within. Stand firm, I am with you.
The devil tempted My Son and you will be tempted too. Let My word lead and guide you into all truth, especially in the wilderness of the unknown of which you are now walking. My Word truly does light your path for the next right step that you are to take. There will be no regrets for following Me in faith. Even though you don’t have a map to navigate your wilderness walking, I am still present and guiding you.
As My Son was full of Holy Spirit, you too have the same privilege. You are never alone, even in your wilderness walking. In this place, you will grow deeper in My love for you, because you realize that it remains constant, without the landscape of greenery for you to hide. Fruitfulness or barrenness, I love you. Right decisions or selfish mistakes will not detract from My pursuit to love you as I love My Son.
It is in the wilderness that you learn to be sustained on Manna. This is the same food that My Son told His disciples, “I have food that you do not know of.” My Word will sustain you in your journey. As I have guided in the past, I am guiding you now. Listen.
Whispers From your Father, God