“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” (Matt. 4:1 KJV)
Holy Spirit activity is beyond human comprehension. We simply acknowledge that God’s ways are higher than ours. We are certain, however, that “the Spirit gives us hope and also enables our weaknesses: for we know neither what we should pray for nor how: but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings which we cannot utter. And He who searches the hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Rom. 8:25-27 SYS).
Our example, Jesus the Christ, yielded to the Father’s will and went to be baptized by John even though He was without sin. As a result of his obedience to God’s will, the Spirit settled upon him and the Father proclaimed from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17 KJV). One would have thought that was sufficient. Yet, the Spirit, who knows the mind and will of God, led the beloved Son “into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” Perhaps his experience in the wilderness is why He taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil” (Matt. 6:13 KJV).
What shall we say then to this issue? Of course, “to be tempted of the devil” yes or no IS NOT the issue. So what is the issue? The issue is: Will I yield to the Spirit’s direction or not? Remember, the Spirit will always direct according to the will of God and preparation for achieving it. We may not understand why Jesus was led by the Spirit to his wilderness experience, but we are confident that it yielded benefits both for him and us.
If we do not grasp the results and benefits of the Spirit’s leading, we will run from situations and circumstances that are not pleasant. On the other hand, if we trust the Holy Spirit we will defeat the adversary in every situation and circumstance. It’s about victory. Jesus showed us that yielding to the Holy Spirit, no matter what, will always bring victory. And victory is what we want in 2010.
Dear Father, thank you for the victory you give us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Empower us with the confidence to always yield to the Holy Spirit’s directions. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in God’s victory,