The Water & The Wilderness

The Baptism and Testing of Jesus

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted[g] by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

Ok, so there was a whole other part to Robert Madu's message that I HAVE to share!

Besides the cool part of Jesus hearing God say that about Him... notice in verse 12, WHO sent Jesus into the wilderness.

THE SPIRIT

Now, why would the Spirit send Him out there? To be tempted. 

MAN! Just the thought of that scares me.

Here are my notes from Madu....

"God has a system - from the water to the wilderness. The same Spirit that landed on Jesus, led Him into the wilderness. Satan was already there- he waited for 40 days while Jesus fasted.

4 Ways to Win in the wilderness

1. Know where you are. Jesus had JUST begun His ministry, there is usually a battle at the beginning. You are right on the edge of your breakthrough, and that's when he attacks the most.
2. The Word is your weapon, Jesus spoke the Word. In the water, the Word came over Him, in the wilderness, the Word has to come OUT of you! 
3. What's at stake? Jesus made decisions through His lens of His love for humanity. Jesus didn't NEED to be baptized- He came to live the life we were supposed to live. He set the example. Don't forget the call on your life. 
4. Know where your help comes from. Your help comes from the Lord. The enemy wants the thing you are worried about to take over your mind. It takes your mind off God.

If you are in a wilderness season, I pray that this helps you. If not, keep it, maybe you can read it again and it will help you some other time.

God bless you today and always!