The twelve Israelite spies explored the promised land for 40 days. Ten gave a bad report and God condemned the whole nation, except Caleb and Joshua, to wandering 40 years in the wilderness. He led them one year for every day the spies spent in the land. But neither their clothes nor their sandals wore out. And, they never went hungry.
After Jesus' baptism the Holy Spirit led him into the wilderness to go 40 days without food. Have you ever compared and contrasted these two stories? At turn after turn the Israelites grumbled, rebelled, and tested God's patience. Under devil attack, Jesus passed every test while quoting Deuteronomy. The Israelites were followers not always happy with their leader. Jesus followed the Spirit willingly and leads us by his own example all the way to the cross.
Consider these verses:
And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. I Peter 4:1
Complete this prayer for yourself:
Almighty Father, by the example of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of your Holy Spirit that indwells me, give me the courage to...
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