Matthew 4:1–11

Be Still: Lord, still my heart in your presence today. Open my eyes to see you afresh and my ears to hear you speaking through your Word. Amen

Read: Matthew 4:1–11

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (v1)

Encounter: During lockdown, my husband and I would get in the car, pick a random direction, and take as many lefts and rights as possible – no sat-nav, no map – down country lanes until we had absolutely no idea where we were, intentionally lost in the wilderness! We'd get out of the car, and explore wherever we’d ended up. Sometimes we discovered amazing places we’d never have found if we’d stayed on the main road. Other times it didn’t go so smoothly. It would get dark, the petrol light would come on, and we’d have no idea which way was home. Somehow, we always got back! 

The wilderness can feel uncertain, uncomfortable, and far off the expected path. It’s easy to assume we’ve taken a wrong turn and are lost forever. But often the detour, the wilderness is where real discovery happens, and hidden gems are found.

In Matthew 4, it’s the Spirit who leads Jesus into the wilderness. The lie the enemy tells us in wilderness seasons is that we’ve failed, or we’re being punished. But wilderness isn’t about punishment - it’s about formation. It’s where God strips back the distraction so we can learn to depend on him again.

Luke's Gospel tells us that Jesus ‘returned in the power of the Spirit.’ The same Spirit who led him there, leads him out - not weaker, but stronger. The wilderness bestowed spiritual authority and resilience. Not a waste but a preparation. 

Whether you’re in a wilderness or just walking through uncertainty, take heart - you’re not lost. He’s leading you, shaping you, and there’s so much treasure to be found.

Apply: Ask the Lord how he is forming you today. Where does life feel uncertain, or beyond your control. Is that the place he’s inviting you to depend on him more deeply? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the treasure here. What might you miss if you choose only to focus on the discomfort?

Devote: Lord, open my eyes to the treasure you are forming in and around me. Teach me by your Spirit to depend deeply on you.