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“And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about Him went out through all the surrounding country.”  Luke 4:14 (ESV)

Challenges and trials totally zap our strength.  Way too many examples here…I’m sure we can all relate.  The work deadline which keeps us awake at night calculating how we can get it all accomplished.  The prodigal child missing from our dinner table leaving us empty and fearful.  The dreaded test results from the doctor leaving us speechless.  Moments when our mind races ahead, stalls and even becomes forgetful. Overload manifested physically, mentally and emotionally.

Wonder what that would have looked like in the life of Jesus?  Luke 3 unveils the beautiful moment when John baptizes Jesus in the Jordan. The Holy Spirit descends on Jesus like a dove and God proclaims, “You are my beloved Son.  I take delight in You!”  Sweetest words to One who at age 30 is beginning His public ministry.

And right when all seemed glorious, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days to be tempted by the Devil.  Talk about mental, physical and spiritual exhaustion.  Jesus battles the enemy of His soul with the Word of God and emerges victorious – not a single slip.  And when the Devil finally departed, Jesus returned to Galilee in the Power of the Spirit.

Now lets’ just be real here friends – how many times do we land empowered at the end of intense temptation, trials and challenges?  I’m more like totally depleted, vulnerable and weak.  But I love the way the Spirit empowered Jesus  to keep moving forward – to not give up when ministry got hard and unbearable.  Love the way Jesus didn’t allow the fear of the one trying to silence Him to derail God’s plan for His life.  With boldness Jesus taught in the synagogues, met rejection and hostility in His hometown of Nazareth, rebuked an unclean demon, healed the sick and stayed on track with God’s purpose (Luke 4:43). How?  He was empowered by the Spirit.

As believers, we have access to this same “dynamic” power (Holy Spirit) living and breathing within us.  When we choose to fight our battles with the Word of God and remain diligent in defeating the enemy’s schemes, we can emerge stronger than ever. Resisting the urge to depend on self, we are more than conquerors in His power and might.  And the lessons we will learn will prove crucial to our spiritual growth, ministry and God’s divine plans.

None of us are immune from feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and on the brink of giving up.  So take heart dear one, don’t allow the enemy to silence your future.  Dig in deep to God’s word.  Stay connected to godly counsel.  Avoid the mindless chatter of defeat, doom and despair.  Recall His faithfulness and depend on His power to birth victory even in the midst of your toughest battle.

“Father, You take great delight in our total dependence on You.  Despite the trials, temptations and struggles we may face, You have overcome the world. We will win as long as we tap into Your endless power.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life