On Sunday we read about Jesus' experience in the "wild place" where temptation tormented him. I realize that if Jesus himself was assaulted in this way, so are all of us who follow him.
We walk through the world where evil is alive and well, always poised to find ways to divert our attention from God's loving counsel regarding how we are to be.
Jesus was tempted to use his capabilities to meet his own needs...to assure his own security, safety and status. Had he done so, the greatest story ever told, the redemption of the WORLD, would not have unfolded.
Each of us faces temptation. Truly, we do have needs, hungers, desires...but God alone can TRULY meet them. When we rely upon our own resources to meet OUR needs first, we are turning from the one who knows us most intimately and loves us most completely.
Resting in God's completion first, all that we possess and are capable of doing takes on miraculous potential for the good of others.
How, when and in what circumstances are you tempted to use your capabilities to meet your own needs? When does doing so prevent you from being available to serve others?
Being aware of those situations helps to identify your own particular "wild places".
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