January 20

Victory
 
“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Begone, Satan!  For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.”’ Then the devil left Him.”
Matthew 4:10-11a

The wilderness, while frequently recognized as the location where Jesus was tempted, could better be understood as the location where Jesus was victorious over Satan.  With each temptation that came His way, Jesus responded quickly with the word of God.  It’s awfully interesting that each time Jesus quoted Scripture, Satan offered no rebuttal, but instead moved to a new temptation before finally withdrawing.  Before the temptations from Satan began, we are told that Jesus had fasted forty days and forty nights.  Many times, this piece of information has been used to warn us of the struggles and temptations that will come our way when we fast.  But just like the victory Jesus experienced was more important than the temptations He faced, so too will our victories after fasting be greater than any temptations or struggles that come our way.  Fasting is not a prelude to struggle or temptation; it is a prelude to victory.  We are approaching the conclusion of this time period we have set aside at the beginning of the year for prayer and fasting.  As this season comes to a close, we can rejoice because we have laid the foundation for victory.  Battles that we have been preparing for have already been won.  The enemy will have no rebuttal for the word of God that comes forth from our lips.  Victory is ours, in the name of Jesus.