The Work of the Holy Spirit

Before beginning His ministry to preach the gospel of the kingdom, Jesus fasted for forty days in the wilderness and was tempted by the devil. In the Gospel of Mark, this moment is described as the Spirit “sending him out” into the wilderness, while Matthew 4 says Jesus was “led by the Spirit.” Though this must have been an unimaginably painful time, it was a deliberate work of the Holy Spirit—a divine plan to set an example for us on how to overcome trials.

Reflecting on Heavenly Father’s sacrifice for the salvation of His children, I began to examine my own heart. I wondered if I had only been willing to follow the Spirit during joyful moments—like the blessing of bearing fruit—while being reluctant to follow when the path led toward hardship.

In the process of being transformed into a heavenly person, we sometimes find ourselves in the fires of refinement. Rather than viewing these trials as merely difficult, I want to embrace them as opportunities to build a faith that truly pleases God. I hope to become a mature child of God—one who stands victorious in the wilderness of faith.