Grow Strong in Spirit
Devotional Contributor: Al Schierbaum
Scripture:
Luke 1:80 “And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.”
Observation:
John the Baptist grew and became strong in spirit in preparation for his public ministry. God’s training ground for becoming strong in spirit for John the Baptist took place in the wilderness/desert. John lived off the land and learned to trust God in harsh conditions. In the desert, he was alone, but not lonely, because he developed a deep relationship with God. Sometimes a lack of people in our life is a good thing in disguise. Slow times can mean more time for Jesus. The process of preparation took time, for John grew and became strong. John’s public ministry started at age 30, which means that, like Jesus, God spent many years of preparing His messenger before putting him into the heat of the battle.
Application:
We tend to jump into the heat of the battle or put people into the heat of the battle way to quickly. Both Jesus and John Baptist were prepared over a 30-year period of time. Both Jesus and John the Baptist had significant time in the wilderness having to endure harsh conditions. Most all of us will be prepared for greater impact in the wilderness or desert. We don’t like these circumstances because it is hot, uncomfortable, and uncertain. But, the desert will break us of self-dependence and teach us to rely upon God for everything. In the desert we may not be alone, but very few people can fully understand what we are feeling and thinking. Jesus is truly the only One who can fully empathize. The desert is a great place to get to know Jesus. In fact, a deeper relationship with Jesus is the biggest benefit the desert offers.
Everyone who turns to Jesus while in the desert will become stronger in spirit and grow in character. Testimony after testimony of Christians throughout the centuries will tell you this. You will be okay, as all before you will testify. Deserts are temporary but greatly used by God to strengthen us for a deeper relationship with Him and greater service in His Kingdom.
Request:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your love even while in the desert. I realize that You use good times and not so good times to shape me and conform me into Your likeness. Thank you for your faithfulness in every situation of my life. Draw me close and strengthen me for your work in my life in the name of Jesus! Amen!