Scripture Focus: Luke 4:1-13
When we are moved from
those places and passages that are comfortable we find ourselves in
wilderness. We seldom travel this road of our own choosing.
It comes when things in our life break down or unexpected forces take
over. It comes when the road before us seems unclear and we diverge
from the original path.
There are two paths
in the wilderness. One is a self reliant path. You look
for strength within you and with all of your wisdom and cunning try
to find a way out. You seek for the easy way, the path of least
resistance and find yourself covering the same ground again and again.
Fear grows. Defensiveness grows. Physical forcefulness grows.
But exhaustion leads to despair as you move deeper into wilderness with
no hope.
The other path looks
always for resources outside you. It is the path that recognizes
weakness and knows that the wilderness cannot be conquered alone.
You look for wisdom beyond yourself. You know that the tests you
face are temporary. You look for strength from the depths of faith
and rely on promises given by the one who faced the deepest challenges
of the wilderness.
To Know: We are weak and need God's help.
To Feel: Hope that God is present and your guide.
To Do: Look for strength from the depths of faith and rely on promises of God