When Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit, the bible says He was led to be tempted by the devil. The dictionary describes the wilderness as a wild, uncultivated land, inhabited only by wild animals. But Jesus wasn’t alone. He had His Father. It’s those times when we are in the wilderness that we need our Father the most.

While in the wilderness Jesus fasted for those forty days, and the word says that afterward “He was hungry.” We have to understand at this time Jesus was weak in His flesh, but strong in His spirit. For those forty days in the wilderness He didn’t focus on the wilderness. He was focusing on His Father.

God will allow us to go through wilderness seasons of our lives, because sometimes the only way we will listen is in the wilderness. I thank God for the wilderness seasons because even though my body and mind are weak, my spirit is being prepared for what is around the corner.

Matthew 4:3
Now when the tempter came to Him, he said “If you are……….”
I didn’t finish this verse because the Lord began to show me that when the tempter comes, his job is to make you forget who you are. Satan knew well who Jesus was, and Jesus surely knew who he was. But the tactic of the enemy was to make Jesus second guess himself.

Now I will finish the verse “If you are the son of God, command that these stones become bread.” Isn’t it funny that the devil not only tried to make him second guess who He was, but tested Him in His weakest area at that time.

The devil knows our weaknesses, and will always use them against us. Your job in the wilderness is:

1. Focus on the Father, not on the wilderness.
2. Know your weaknesses.
3. Never forget who you are.

Brandie

There I was, standing on the edge of the diving board, at the age of 5. Looking down, it seemed as if I were miles away from the water. I would stand looking, wanting to jump, but not having the courage to do so. The longer I stood and thought about the jump, the more afraid I became. The water was so deep. I was so small.

At the age of 35, I am standing on the edge of life. I want to jump, but I don’t have the courage to do so. The longer I wait, the more afraid I become. The world is so big. I am so small.

At 5, standing on the edge of that diving board, my dad swims over. He reaches out his hands and says, “Jump. I will catch you.” So, closer to the edge I come. I close my eyes, and jump into the arms of my dad. Suddenly, there is no more fear, only joy! I have overcome my fear so I can enjoy the water.

Matthew 14
Verse 28 Peter said “Lord if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
Verse 29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

At some point in our walk with Christ, we just have to have the faith to come out of the boat. Jesus is commanding each of his children to “Come.” 

At the age of 35, standing on the edge of life, Jesus says “Come.” I walk a little closer to the edge. I close my eyes, and I jump. Immediately, Jesus stretches out His hand, and catches me.
Brandie