Matthew 4:1-2

Avery's second Halloween is today, though I don’t think she remembers her first that much. This year daddy wont try putting her in a pumpkin. Our little darling had a rough night with being sick so please pray for her and Holly who also is sick. Thank you for your prayers my friend and have a safe night, whatever you have planned. As for us hopefully it will be some trunk or treating. If the little one is up to it.

David

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Matthew 4:1-2
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 
And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.

After Jesus was baptized he was immediately taken into the wilderness to be tested. Matthew points out several key points we need to grab hold of here. Jesus was led by the Spirit in His life, much in the same way we all are. We must allow the Spirit to lead our lives and direct us to where God wants us to be; even to the wilderness. 

Israel was a picture of baptism when it walked through the Red Sea. After the Sea, Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years. Jesus is here seen fasting in the wilderness for forty days and being tested by the devil. Interesting thing with fasting is that the body gets used to the fast after three days right up till about 37 days when the body is in need of food desperately. 

We learn a few important things about the devil from this passage. For one, he is very much a real person who has real power and authority, also defeated. We should never forget he exists while at the same time never put to much credit to him. He cannot be everywhere, but has location. After he tempts Jesus, he leaves. 

I believe the Lord will always take us into the wilderness for periods of time for testing. He always does this to help us grow and learn more about Him. We will face trials throughout our life of ministry. We all are called in various ways to be a light to the world. Don’t be surprised if you go into such testing; be encouraged that the Lord you follow knows what you are going through.