The Way Out
Tuesday, November 12
The Way Out
Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil….. Luke 4:1,2
In Luke 4, we see Jesus, freshly baptized, filled with the Holy Spirit, and led not to comfort but into the wilderness—a place of trial and temptation. It’s easy to blame the devil for the wilderness seasons in our lives, but sometimes, God Himself leads us there. The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness for a reason, to face trials that would strengthen Him and show us that He understands every struggle we face.
Why did God’s Spirit lead Jesus into such a place? Because each of us encounters our own wilderness—a season of struggle, doubt, or temptation. Jesus knew He would face the enemy, yet He went willingly, experiencing temptation on our behalf to prove that no matter what we face, He has already overcome it.
“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.” — Hebrews 4:15
Think about that. Jesus, our Savior, faced every temptation common to humanity It’s easy to believe the temptations we face today in the 21st century are nothing like the temptations of over 2,000 years ago. You’re wrong. They’re all the same because sin hasn’t changed. Lies from the enemy…still the same. Sexual immorality … still the same sin today. Jealousy … still the same. Deceit … still the same. Envy, pride, wickedness, foolishness … still the same. Yes, a whole lot of it is now done on a screen, but at the core, it’s still the same. Jesus faced all of that so he could make a way out of it for you. Jesus endured so that He could guide us and say, “I understand, and I can lead you out.”
Are you struggling with a specific temptation? Maybe you feel trapped by it, with days when you lose the fight and feel the weight of shame. It’s easy to think our modern struggles are too different, that maybe Jesus wouldn’t understand. But the truth is, He does. He faced it all so He could be our way out.
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13
There’s hope for freedom today. Jesus has already paved the way out for us. When you’re facing temptation, remember to turn to Him. Here’s a powerful prayer to keep close: “Lord, show me the way out and help me take it.” God will show you the off button, the trash can, the door, or whatever it is you need to escape the trap. And He will give you the strength to follow through.
Today, let’s lean on His strength and remember that there’s always a way out. Jesus endured temptation so we could find freedom. No matter how strong the pull, God’s strength is stronger. Trust Him to lead you, one step at a time, out of the wilderness and into victory.