PREPARE - A Student Reading Plan Exploring Your CallSample

Jesus

Right after his baptism, Jesus went into the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights. This period of fasting and isolation culminated in an encounter with Satan where Jesus resisted temptation and launched His ministry.

It was not a coincidence that Jesus faced Satan after a period of time in the wilderness.

Notice verse one.

Jesus entered the wilderness because He was led by the Spirit. During this time, Jesus underwent intense preparation. Fasting, praying, spending time with the Lord. It’s easy to read verse two and think that because Jesus was hungry, He was weak.

Jesus was hungry, yes, but due to 40 days of preparation, He was strong.

Jesus was equipped in the wilderness. Jesus was prepared in the wilderness.

We each have our “wilderness” to pass through where God prepares us for ministry.

It’s important to understand this preparation is not effortless. Like Jesus, we must be obedient to go where the Spirit leads, but even further, we must be disciplined in the midst of the wilderness, or we will not be prepared on the other side.

Preparation isn’t instant. The wilderness lasted 40 days, not one. God leads us to obscure, difficult places and slowly prepares us over years.

When the Spirit leads you to a wilderness, you can be sure you won’t be the same on the other side.

Questions

1. What might God be calling you into that is challenging?
2. Are you being obedient to embrace that calling?
3. How might God be using difficult situations in your life as preparation?

Prayer

God, may I be obedient to go where You lead me. Where you go I will follow. Strengthen me, prepare me, teach me how to draw near in times of need. Help me receive wilderness moments from You so You can make me more like You. Teach me how I can pastor Your people. Amen.