Filled and Led

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness  for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone.”’  And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time,  and said to him, ‘To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’  And Jesus answered him, ‘It is written,

“You shall worship the Lord your God,
    and him only shall you serve.”’

“And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here,  for it is written,

“He will command his angels concerning you,
    to guard you,”

and

“On their hands they will bear you up,
    lest you strike your foot against a stone.”’

“And Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”’  And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.” Luke 4:1-13

Jesus’ earthly ministry was about to commence, and God the Father set His approval on His Son in baptism. At this point, we might expect that being filled with the Holy Spirit and led by God Himself He’d display a grand flourish of fame. Instead, He’s led away from people and popularity into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. His triumph was a resounding victory and an encouragement for all who would follow Him. (Matthew 3:13-17)

We might have great plans for all we want to do for God when He has very different plans for what He wants to do in us. God’s children are promised eternal security and the guardian of the Holy Spirit, but not ease or absence of trouble. In fact, in order to understand all we have in Christ and all He wants from us we are often led into the wilderness of pain, temptation, chafed relationships, and heartache. It is here we are tested and can test the Lord’s promises, power, and ongoing petitions for us. (Romans 8:31-34; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Timothy 3:12; Hebrews 4:16)

Is there something we sense the Lord has equipped us to do, yet we keep hitting obstacles? Where has He led us in unknown paths, only to take us through experiences that train us for later ministry? How open and alert are we to the Spirit’s sway? Do we daily avail ourselves of all He has provided, trusting His leading? The Lord works into us what He desires to work through and out of us over time. (Isaiah 42:16; Philippians 2:13)

Lord, keep me attuned to Your filling and leading so I act and respond to every temptation according to Your righteousness and word.