‘“This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.’ Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 3:17-4:1 NIV)
Here’s a biblical pattern; battleground follows holy ground. This is because God measures our maturity, not by our mountaintop experiences, but by our victories in the valleys. Our wilderness struggles mold us into ministers of God’s grace, power, and love to others. Jesus began his ministry “in the power of the Spirit” only after His desert duel with the devil (Luke 4:14).
So, if the Spirit happens to lead you into the desert today, and you find the devil waiting for you, don’t panic. Christ has already won the victory. He’s just sending you there to enforce it. Stand on His Word. When you emerge from the fray triumphant, you will find that your battleground was, in fact, holy ground.
© Paul R Downing
