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Before we dive into this week’s prayer guide, I want to make sure you know that the 40-day prayer journal—the one I’m so excited for you to get!—releases this week. If you haven’t preordered a copy yet, it’d mean a ton if you grabbed one for you and maybe another for a friend.

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Finding Strength in God’s Love During Life’s Wilderness

I once heard someone say we’re either entering a wilderness, in a wilderness, or on our way out of a wilderness. This may sound a bit bleak, but let me ask you: have you found that to be true in your life?

In Luke 4, we find Jesus in the wilderness. He was just baptized by John—so He’s fresh off hearing His Father declare: “You are my beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.”

And then who meets Jesus in the dry place, in the wilderness? The Accuser.

When the Enemy Tries to Make You Doubt Yourself

Do you know what the Accuser first says to Jesus? “If you are the Son of God . . .” Notice that before Satan tempts Jesus to do something, he tempts Him to doubt who He is. He whispers: “Are you really a beloved Son? Are you sure your Father is pleased with you?”

Then he offers the proof tests. If you’re worthy of love: Turn stones into bread (do something practical); bow to me and rule the nations (do something political); throw yourself from the temple (do something religious).

The pattern hasn’t changed much, has it? The Accuser still tries to make us prove our worth through what we can produce, control, or perform. He’ll say, “If you’re worthy of God’s love, show it. Earn it. Display it.” But Jesus didn’t take the bait. He knew the truth of who He was—and He didn’t need to prove it.

Luke tells us that Jesus went into the wilderness led by the Spirit, but He came out in the power of the Spirit—the power of beloved identity.

Respond

How Life’s Wilderness Prepares You for Greater Purpose

My mom likes to say the attacks on your life are less about who you are now and more about who you’re becoming. My friend, let’s not forget: the enemy only attacks those he fears.

Maybe the wilderness you’re in right now isn’t punishment—it’s preparation. Maybe the silence isn’t absence—it’s strengthening. And maybe the temptation isn’t proof of your failure—it’s proof that the enemy sees something powerful forming in you.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for calling me Your child before I ever earned it.
When I’m tempted to perform my way into grace, remind me that I am already loved.
Help me to stand firm in my beloved identity,
to trust that the Spirit who leads me into the wilderness
will also bring me out in power.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Praying with you,

Addison Bevere