After the temptations in the desert, Jesus returns in the "power of the Spirit" (Luke 4:14 RSVCE). This is what we desire as Christians and disciples of Jesus; to walk in the " power of the Spirit."  There will be days when we are tempted, feel desolate, experience persecution, or have dryness in prayer. Whatever you do: DON'T QUIT!  God is a loving Father! He promises to give us the grace to persevere. Feelings are not fact! The fruit of persevereing through these times in faith, trust, and prayer, is that we will be purified to become a better version of ourselves; a powerful vessel of the Holy Spirit, filled with the love of God, and equipped to WALK in the POWER of the SPIRIT like our Lord Jesus Christ.

• Are you experiencing desolation? Recall the last time you felt the consolation of God, and pray for the grace of perseverance; not giving up on your prayer disciplines.
• Are you experiencing consolation? Praise God for it and ask for the grace to persevere when the spiritual life is challenged.
• Where do you struggle? Jesus is victorious over temptations and sin. Invite Him into your struggle. Open your heart to Him. Ask Him to make His victory your victory. Christ goes before us. He has already defeated the enemy; I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me and has already won the crown.