Welcome to A Journey through the New Testament! In this series, we will systematically journey through every chapter in the New Testament, unveiling the marvelous insights that can be found in the scriptures.
Matthew 4 is truly a powerful chapter. It unfolds with the staggering reality that God guides us straight into the trial of our faith. In Jesus’ case, He was led into the wilderness, a place of testing by the devil. There's much to unpack in this scenario.
Let's talk about the wilderness—an uncultivated, uninhabited space; a desolate, deserted area. It's a barren, solitary place that also offers much-needed quiet, free from disturbance.
God deliberately sent His son into this untamed land, accompanied only by wild beasts (Mark 1:13). Consider that this happened right after His baptism, where the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove, marking the commencement of His ministry. Although the baptism occurred in the wilderness, God took Him further in, away from the company of men, into a quiet place where the voices of God and the devil resound the loudest.
Have you ever felt a significant spiritual high, only to soon after encounter a sudden turn of events that made you question your relationship with God? In those moments of self-reflection, the devil tries to provide feigned clarity to your experiences, and you find yourself asking, "God, where are you?" If you've been through such times, as I have, they can be disheartening if you don't discern God’s perspective.
Allow me to share a story. In my youth, when crossing the road, my mom would tightly hold my hand for safety, playfully squeezing it as we walked. But as I grew, I reached a point where I could cross beside her without hand-holding. It wasn't that I no longer wanted to; rather, it was time for me to walk in what I had learned. After years of being taught through hand-holding, I could finally be trusted to walk alongside her.
The simple truth is that God never leaves or forsakes you, even in the wilderness. However, is it unfair for God to expect you to apply what He’s poured into you? In the midst of silence, He is present and confident that He's equipped you to overcome the trials on your path. So, step into the wilderness, knowing you are not alone, and you've already overcome. Walk on with assurance.
Written by Kareem Flowers, Sunrise with Jesus
Have you ever encountered a situation similar to what was mentioned in this Sunrise devotional? Share how you overcame it in the comments below.