Trusting God in Every Season!

Sermon March 9, 2025 Luke 4:1-13 Trusting God in Every Season!

Pastor Fred Okello

There are seasons in life when we find ourselves in a wilderness—moments of uncertainty, waiting, and intense trials. This is exactly what happened to Jesus in Luke 4:1-13. Right after His baptism, when He was full of the Holy Spirit and ready to begin His ministry, He was led into the wilderness. For forty days, He fasted, prayed, and prepared Himself. But before He could step into the fullness of His calling, Satan came with three temptations—each one designed to make Him doubt God’s provision, power, and promises.

Many of us go through similar wilderness moments. Times when we feel lost, when we question God’s timing, and when the temptation to take control or give in becomes overwhelming. But Jesus shows us how to stand firm, trust God, and come out victorious.

I remember a time in my own life when I faced a similar test—not in the form of turning stones into bread, but in trusting God’s plan when everything seemed to fall apart.

Years ago, while serving as teachers, my family and I received a new assignment. Instead of continuing in education, we were chosen to plant churches in a neighboring region.

Then, just as we were preparing to transition to this new country for church planting, unexpected opposition arose. The moment the announcement was made, dissenting voices emerged. Some people had their preferred candidates, and suddenly, the process became political. Behind closed doors, votes were cast—without our knowledge—and we still won! Yet, in the final moment, another candidate was quietly placed in the position, and we were told we were no longer going.

Imagine this: We had already stepped out in faith. We had left our teaching roles, were jobless, had children to care for, and no financial stability. For nine months, we stayed in a church house, waiting. No salary, no certainty, only faith.

This was our wilderness. We were tempted to be bitter, to demand what was rightfully ours, to fight for our place. But instead, we made a decision—to trust God. We told our bishops, “If there is another person who can do the job, let them go. We will wait for the Lord’s appointed time.”

That moment felt like a loss, but in reality, it was a victory. God was teaching us something deeper—something Jesus demonstrated in Luke 4:1-13, Jesus victory over temptation.

Through His own wilderness experience, Jesus teaches us three key lessons about overcoming temptation:

1. Trust in God’s Provision (Luke 4:3-4)
When we find ourselves lacking—whether it’s finances, opportunities, or support—we must remember that our survival depends not just on material things but on God’s sustaining Word. He sees our needs and will provide at the right time.

2. Refuse to Compromise for Power (Luke 4:5-8)

Satan offered Jesus power and authority over the world—but at a price. He was tempting Jesus with a shortcut to glory, bypassing the cross.

Compromise is a dangerous trap. It may bring short-term success, but it will cost us long-term purpose. God does not need us to force His plans—He will elevate us at the right time.

3. Wait for God’s Appointed Time (Luke 4:9-12)

Satan’s final temptation was to push Jesus to test God’s faithfulness—to prove His identity by forcing God’s hand.

There are times when waiting feels like the hardest test. But God’s delays are not His denials. If He has called you, He will fulfill His plan in His time. Instead of forcing God’s hand, we must trust His process.

Are you in a season of testing? Are you facing opposition, uncertainty, or the temptation to take control of your circumstances?

• Trust in God's provision—He will sustain you, even in the wilderness.

• Refuse to compromise—God's plans do not require manipulation.

• Wait for God’s timing—what He has promised, He will fulfill.

Jesus came out of the wilderness victorious, and through Him, so can we. The battles we face today are not just about earthly rewards—they are about preparing us for God’s greater purpose. When we surrender our desires to Him, He will lift us up at the right time.
Isaiah 40:31—"But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

God’s best for you is worth the wait. Stand firm, and let Him lead you to your appointed place in His perfect time.

Amen!