Holy Desert Batman

So before I write this all out, I want you all to know that I’m going through this too! Lately I’ve been going through a period of pruning with the Lord. You know, one of those times where God shows you areas in your life that you need to rid yourself of. My area in my fleshly wants and desires, now I know this pruning process will be continual, but God is doing some ridding in one of my big struggles.  I’m finding that I’m not the only one recently in this position and in seeing this, God wanted me to remind you of something!

“12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.” MARK 1:12-13

Notice that this scene takes place right after Jesus got baptized. Not only that, but this is when the heavens opened and God speaks. Something HUGE just happened and now Jesus immediately is lead into the wilderness. Matthew and Luke tell us specifically what Jesus was tempted with, but Mark isn’t focusing on those. Here is what God is showing me about Mark’s version. He said, “Bryan, as you can see I lead my son in the wilderness for a good period of time, and I attended to him. What makes you think you’ll be any different?” Wow was that an awakening! Our struggles seem so long or tough in the times we are in them, but if we look at the bigger story of Mark’s Gospel, we find it’s real easy for us to look past this dessert story. Remember, The Holy Spirit has led us to this desert time, and is going to lead us through it. On top of all of that, I’m a big believer that we learn more about ourselves and more importantly we learn more about God in the desert than we would in any other situation. So hold fast to Him! This is only a period, a shot time!

“6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 PETER 1:6-7

Thank you Jesus for building faith and perseverance in Your Church, the Bride of Jesus. Continue to prune us Lord and make us more like you! Give us a heart of praise Oh Lord! In Jesus name I Pray. Amen

Love ya Beloved