God Might Lead You Into the Desert First | Mark 1:12-13

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Today, we’re reading Mark 1:12-13:

The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.— Mark 1:12-13

The moment Jesus is baptized—He’s launched into battle.

No time to bask in the glory of that voice from heaven. No pause. No pat on the back. The same Spirit that descended like a dove drives him into the wilderness. And what waits for him there? Satan. Temptation. Wild animals. Isolation.

It’s easy to think that following God should lead to peace, comfort, clarity. But here—obedience leads Jesus into hardship. Before Jesus ever preached a word, He had to fight a war.

This wilderness moment matters. Jesus steps into the mess of temptation not because He had to—but because we do. He willingly walks into the fire so He could stand in it with us. He faces Satan head-on, not as a show of power, but as a statement of solidarity. The Son of God chose to suffer first.

And Mark tells it fast—just two verses. No dialogue. No breakdown of the temptation. Just this: He was tempted, He endured, He was not alone.

God doesn’t abandon us in the wilderness—He strengthens us there. You may feel like you're walking through your own desert right now. Maybe you're facing temptation, loneliness, or attack. But take this to heart: Jesus has walked that road, and He’s walking it with you now.

#WildernessFaith, #JesusFightsFirst, #Mark11213

ASK THIS:
What “wilderness” are you currently facing?
How do you typically respond to spiritual battles?
What does this passage teach you about God’s presence in trials?
In what ways can you rely more on the Spirit during temptation?
DO THIS:
Walk into your wilderness today with confidence—Jesus has already been there, and He’s walking with you now.

PRAY THIS:
Jesus, thank you for walking into the wilderness before me. Help me to see your presence in my hardest moments and trust your strength in my weakness. Amen.

PLAY THIS:
Battle Belongs.