Going Through Difficult Times
In life we go through seasons. Some are good, and some don’t feel good at all. We all like to talk about the glory days, the fun seasons, there are some great songs about them, like “We Are The Champions”, and “Glory Days”. But there is so much that we can learn from the seasons that are not so enjoyable. And a great model of how we can make it through these difficult seasons can be found in Jesus’ Time in The Desert… during his not-so-fun season.
Scripture: “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”‘” – Luke 4:8
Observation/Application:
Jesus left where he was and went into the wilderness. He was being led by the Holy Spirit. There was no pause or hesitation. Nothing was going to stop him. Jesus knew exactly where he was going. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, it becomes clear where to go and what to do.
And when he got to where he was being led, it was not an easy time for him in the flesh. He ate nothing for forty days, and was hungry. And to top it off while he was physically suffering, the devil came after him. Sometimes we too are led to a time in the desert. Just because everything isn’t rainbows and roses doesn’t mean that we are not right where God wants us to be.
In addition to being hungry, Jesus was alone. He didn’t go there with all of his disciples who could help him out, and lift him up. And he was there to fight off the devil all by himself. Sometimes that is how it is when we go through challenging times. Friends are hard to find, and we feel alone. But we are never truly alone. God is always with us. And he is there to guide us and help us through anything and everything that we face in life.
It can be difficult to understand why we go through difficult times. But it is part of the natural process of growing in faith. Just like when our bodies physically grow, we have growing pains. The same holds true with spiritual growth. We are not just a physical body. We have a Spiritual body as well that needs to grow just like our physical body does. These difficult times, while they may not be the most enjoyable and immediately gratifying times in our lives, they are seasons of growth.
How did Jesus respond when he was being tempted by the devil? He responded with scripture. In all three temptations, Jesus response started with, “It is written”, followed by scripture – God’s Word. And scripture is exactly what is going to help us during our difficult times, during our time in the desert.
Difficult times in our life are really no fun. But during these times in the desert, it is critical that we lean not unto our own understanding, but on the Word of God. These difficult times break us of our self-sufficiency and self-promotion. These times refine us, and solidify our character and our clarity of purpose. These times make us stronger, like working out our muscles breaks them down only to make them stronger, we are strengthened and better prepared for life’s challenges. We gain wonderful perspective that prepares us for God’s blessing and what He calls us to do.
Let us be encouraged when we go through these difficult times, understanding that these are seasons of growth and preparation. At the end of these trials, we will be bigger-better-faster-stronger. We will be filled with the Holy Spirit and ready to move mountains. It happened for Jesus, and he made it through those times because he was armed with the Word of God. And so can me and you. The key is turning to God. Read, pray, then slay the devil and his schemes. Jesus has come so that we can have life, and have it abundantly. – (John 10:10). I call you blessed.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word today. We give you honor and glory and praise, at all times, and in all occasions. Give us courage and strength to face our difficult times, our times in the desert. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Let your Word fill us and roll off our tongues. Give us wisdom and understanding, power and peace. Let the joy of the Lord fill our hearts. Give us the mind of Christ. Lift us from the attacks of the enemy. And let our days be blessed. In Jesus mighty name. Amen.
Image courtesy of: ironpoison
Photo By ironpoison
About Author
