And 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. Luke 4:1-2
Forty Days
Day 38 of 40! Can you believe we are this close to 40 days of getting into God’s presence on a daily basis during Lent?!
Forty days feels like such a long time, but I’m sure it felt REALLY long for Jesus in the wilderness.
Full of the Holy Spirit
I think it is very interesting that the Bible specifically notes that Jesus starts his temptation in the desert at a spiritual high. He has just been baptized by His cousin John, complete with a voice from heaven confirming His identity as God’s Son and the fact that the Father is pleased with Him.
He is full of the Holy Spirit and ready for His forty days challenge.
Fasting and Temptation
During the forty days, Jesus did not eat anything. Physically, He is hungry and probably somewhat weak. The devil chooses this time to tempt Him repeatedly.
Forty Days to Victory
Jesus comes through the forty days victorious over Satan, remembering the word of God and using it as a weapon to defeat the enemy.
He resists temptation and stays strong. He leans on the strength of the Father and the Word of God and uses it to be victorious.
Our Forty Days
Our forty days can be days to victory too. We can find strength in the Father and the Word of God during these forty days so that we can be victorious over temptation as we fast too.
Action Step:
Our Focus today is FASTING!
Fasting: giving up or skipping something in favor of spending time with God. Traditionally, not eating, but can be a fast from social media, television, books, or certain types of food or drink.
When you feel tempted today, take strength in the Father and the Word of God to gain the victory. We are almost through the forty days – victory is near!
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for these forty days to remind us of our true focus. Help us to lean into You and find our strength in time with You and Your word. Strengthen us with Your strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.
