January 10th - Mark 1:12-13

Mark 1:12-13 The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him. We’d probably all like to think that if our lives were totally led by the Spirit like Jesus’ was, we would be able to avoid all challenges and difficulties. Life would be one long succession of blessings and smiling people. The experience of Jesus shows us that this isn’t how the Spirit works. Led by the Holy Spirit, Jesus faced temptations, injustice, opposition and violence, but as he did so, he was given the wisdom and strength to face every challenge. The New Testament is incredibly candid about the challenges which face those who follow Jesus, and he himself was very clear about this. He saw it as an inevitable consequence of living in a broken and sinful world. In Jesus’ teaching to his disciples before his death, he said: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). If you look back through the past couple of years, you can likely identify many temptations, challenges and difficulties that you have had to face. That’s life! The same will be true in the months and years ahead, but we need not be afraid because as the Holy Spirit leads us through these experiences, he will also give us the wisdom and strength to cope with them. When Jesus sent his disciples out on their first mission, he assured them that it would be tough. He said he was sending them out like sheep among wolves. He told them they would be handed over to the courts and flogged with whips in the synagogues. On the face of it, everything would go wrong, but Jesus told them not to be fearful because God would perfectly equip them. He told them not to worry about what they would say when they were arrested because the Spirit would give them the right words. I totally understand why we all shrink from the idea of temptations, problems and opposition, but with the Holy Spirit, we have nothing at all to fear. As we trust him, we will have all the wisdom, strength and words we need. Question How does this teaching help you as you look to your own future? Prayer Loving God, I invite your Holy Spirit to fill me, and to guide me every step of my life. Amen