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A FORCED MARCH

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil,” Matthew 4:1 ESV. There are times when I feel like I am on a forced march through a barren desert. While many trials of life are pretty common and experienced by practically everyone, occasionally our journey can feel like a private purgatory. God’s desire for me to be more like Him requires that I traverse difficult pathways. Biblical prophets passed through the desert, the Hebrews marched the sands of the Sinai; and as we read in this passage, even the Savior was “led by the Spirit into the wilderness”. A protracted, severe trial is a pristine environment for both faith and faithfulness to flourish. Lord, I am willing to walk this way when You desire it. Strengthen me that I may walk the distance. Provoke me to remember others as they too pass this way. In Your mercy, make greater faith and faithfulness my reward. 

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