“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matt. 4:1, NKJV).
Do you notice who was taking the initiative here? It wasn’t the devil. It was the Holy Spirit. God was the One entirely sovereign over the events that unfold as this chapter continues. His Spirit, descended on Jesus in baptism, led Him into the desert. It was time. Newly endued with power from on high, He had to face temptation. He had to experience what all of us fellow humans go through. This was necessary for Him to become a merciful High Priest.
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15, NKJV).
You see, the Father’s purpose lay in the tempting Jesus endured. His ability to sympathize with our weaknesses was a crucial part of God’s plan for redeeming humanity. The devil, wickedly drawn to Jesus in His moment of great vulnerability, no doubt believed he was the one taking the initiative. Instead, he was playing right into God’s plan.
When you experience spiritual warfare, remember this. When it seems like hell is breaking loose, call this to mind. The One running the show is God. No matter what comes against you, His purposes are prevailing now, and will unfailingly continue to prevail. You are in the palm of His hand, and nothing can take you from there. Daddy will even send His angels to minister to you when you need it, as He did for His Son in this story (v. 11). And, like Jesus, you will come through this trial stronger and more victorious than ever. Nothing in all of creation can stop the indescribably good plans the Father has for you!
“God does what he wants with the powers of heaven and the people on earth. No one can stop his powerful hand” (Dan. 4:35, NCV).
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Have you taken time to meditate on the reality that Jesus profoundly sympathizes with your weaknesses? That He gets it? That His heart stirs with compassion for you in your struggle? That He is right there ready to help?
Feeding On Jesus 
I love this, such a timely and inspiring Word!
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Praise the Lord! Thank you so much, Zakiyyah, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment 🙂 God bless you!
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Jennifer, this is such a great reminder that God will take care of our every need. We must trust in Him especially in times of spiritual warfare. Thank you for sharing. It is an inspiration. Take care. Scott
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And thank you too, Scott, so very much, for the encouraging feedback! May the God of Peace keep your heart in His supernatural peace, today and always!
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Another good post Jennifer. An evangelist preached a Men’s Conference a few years back entitled his message:
“The Devil Has You Right Where God Wants You”
Great insight!
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Ha, I love how he expressed that! Very creative way to catch the attention with such a vital truth! Thank you so much for taking the time to share that. Have a wonderfully blessed day in His presence!
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You know why this devo means so much to me. ♥️🙌
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Aw, yes I do ❤ ❤ Continuing to stand with you, Lindsey!
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Praise Jesus, he sympathizes with our weaknesses. I take great comfort in Psalm 103:14–“He knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” Such a tender, compassionate, understanding Father we have!
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Yes! That is a favorite of mine too, Nancy! How gracious is our heavenly Daddy!
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What great news for mankind!
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Yes indeed! Thank you so much for your visit 🙂
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This is what I’m searching for…..❤️❤️
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Praise the Lord! I am so glad you were encouraged, Carol 🙂 🌹
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