Deserts: God’s Provision in the WildernessSýnishorn

Trials to Ministry

The Israelites’ story in the wilderness is so relatable, isn’t it? We can so often find ourselves wandering through our own spiritual and circumstantial deserts. Although we may not experience the physical dangers of the Israelites’ life in the wilderness, we are all facing our own battles and fighting off temptation in our metaphorical wastelands.

What was true for the Israelites is true for us: If we don’t know who we are and whose we are, difficult circumstances will tempt us to mistrust ourselves and God.

That’s why the devil was trying to deceive Jesus in the desert. The devil wanted to capitalize on Jesus’ circumstances. The deceiver knew that any chance to under- mine Jesus’ identity as God’s Son, and his inseparable relationship with God, would be most effective in the desert––where God’s people are most vulnerable.

Three times Satan tried to attack Jesus’ confidence in God with a pointed observation: Jesus’ circumstances didn’t seem to reflect that God can be trusted. But to judge God’s intentions based on our circumstances is foolish. Our faith–– not our circumstances––should determine our trust in God. Our faith relies on God’s love-filled provision, protection, and process.

Take comfort in knowing that Jesus is out in front of our problems. He’s ahead of you on your path, and he’s ahead of me on mine. That’s what we need, isn’t it? Someone we can trust, someone who understands, and someone who has overcome.

Jesus experienced the temptation to insecurity for our sake. Because he willingly endured several tests from Satan about his identity as the Son of God and his relationship to the Father, you and I can take heart when our own identity is challenged. Whether you are fighting internal battles of shame or external accusations that undermine your God-given identity as beloved, know this: Nothing and nobody else defines your identity.

Your identity is secure in Christ.

And if you’re wrestling with loneliness, isolation, or rejection, I want to remind you that Jesus went through the same thing. The enemy tried to weaken Christ’s trust in the Father by attacking the strength of their relationship. He will try the same tactic with you. Resist the devil. Refuse to succumb to Satan’s attempts to make you feel less-than. Nothing and nobody determines your relationship with the Father except for Christ.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you that no matter the circumstances in my daily life, you are the one who defines my identity. Because of you, I am beloved and belong. In Jesus’ name, Amen.