I’ve used the example of a pregnant woman before, but again, it is an appropriate segue into today’s recharge. At conception, the woman seldom shows outward signs of the change inside. During the next nine months, however, her body undergoes significant changes. The closer she gets to her delivery date, the worse the pain becomes. If she’s not careful, she can mistakenly think her contractions are a sign that she made a bad choice. But they’re not. The most painful contractions are confirmation that the baby is on the way.
Ironically, Jesus was on the verge of birthing His public ministry in this text. He had been declared the chosen One, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and provided instructions for His first assignment. And, look who showed up – the devil. If you keep reading Matthew 4, you’ll notice that Jesus did not get upset, irritated, anxious, or troubled. Instead, He remained calmed and aced the assignment. Why? Jesus understood that this attack was just confirmation of His assignment.
Paul told his spiritual son Timothy, “… everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12, New Living Translation). That is, whenever we’re on an assignment from God, we can expect trouble. So, if you’re listening to God, and in the storm of your life, hang in there. That trial is simply confirmation that you’re headed in the right direction!