Series: The Crucible
Message: The Crucible
Preacher: Tommy Eickmann
Daily Walk: Tommy Eickmann

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 109:6-15.

Read: Matthew 4:1–11 (NIV). As you read the New International Version, note 1–3 insights.

Reflect: The third temptation that Jesus faced while in the desert can also be seen as a temptation to obtain power. All He would have had to do is kneel and the entire earth would have been His. In 1 Samuel 29:1–11, we read about David, who faced similar temptations and too often gave into them. John C. Maxwell points out that:

Over time David grew weary of Saul's pursuit and chose to escape to the land of the Philistines. He became vague about his purpose, defensive about his leadership, and lost the trust of Israel. Even great leaders become vulnerable when they grow tired, lonely, angry, or hungry. (NKJV, The Maxwell Leadership Bible, p. 366) 

But we see in Matthew that it is not the case with Jesus. Although David lost his trust in the Lord and fled, we observe that Jesus kept all of His trust in the Lord and continued to fight. He allowed the Lord be His strength, His shield, and His sword.

Recalibrate: ​​​What makes a good leader? Where do you get your strength from? What keeps you going?

Respond: Pray for God to become your strength, shield, and sword.

Research: What are the top three things leaders struggle with?