God's Holy Fire: 'Full and Led'

Jesus goes into the wilderness full of the Holy Spirit and led by the Holy Spirit. The role of the Spirit in the wilderness is crucial. The wilderness is a place for Jesus to be alone with the Father. In addition, this time of Jesus in the wilderness will also be a time of testing and trial. As we have journeyed this past year through Scripture seeking to learn more about the presence, power, and work of the Holy Spirit, we have repeatedly seen two phrases: "full of the Holy Spirit" and "led by the Holy Spirit." These phrases apply to Jesus' ministry and also describe the Spirit's work in our lives (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:18-25). Jesus faced trials and temptations. He overcame them as the Spirit filled him and led him. Similarly, we can overcome life's difficulties as we are filled with the Holy Spirit and led by the Holy Spirit. So let's commit to focus this next year on being filled and being led. Let's invite the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Helper, and Friend (John 14-16). Let's trust that as we focus our hearts on Jesus and immerse ourselves in his story, the Holy Spirit will work his miracle of transformation in our lives (2 Corinthians 3:18). We have received a great gift in Jesus. Jesus now wants to use the Holy Spirit in our lives to make that gift complete.