There will be times when the Lord separates us from the outside world. He then moves us into a place of isolation. This is the wilderness. We learn about the wilderness in the Bible, like the familiar story found in the book of Exodus about Moses and the children of Israel. The story talks about how Moses led the Children of Israel out of Egypt from bondage. They later enter the wilderness, where things get confrontational.
I typed this blog during a wilderness season. I’ve been in the wilderness before but wasn’t aware it had a name or spiritual meaning. I was not following Christ either. I knew Jesus existed, but I wasn’t saved, nor did I want to be. Just comfortable living a life of sin. The idea of giving up my wants and becoming righteous was not something I was interested in. This wilderness season was significant because it was after I received salvation. After 19 years of being under the influence of the enemy, almost two decades, I received salvation. Wilderness seasons are moments of separation, preparation, revelation, conviction, growth, testing of your faith, instruction, and submission to God.
I wanted to change after things in my life spiraled out of control. I lost relationships, a job, car, bank accounts, and even opportunities. It all happened back to back. It went from monthly to weekly, to daily, a series of heartbreaking events. Mad at God I asked, “I asked You to change me. Why are You punishing me for wanting to live right?” I was wrong. He was answering my prayers! We don’t get to choose how the change comes or how the process of the promise happens. In my case, losing everything brought me to Him. I received transformation by submitting to Him instead of the world. I thought the ways of the world would bring me peace and happiness. There were times I was satisfied, but it was always temporary. I felt empty inside. I know now that true fulfillment comes from God.
The wilderness is a place where God meets us. It can be the secret place where He reveals Himself to us. Even though God wants an intimate relationship with us, He will never force Himself on us. He waits patiently for us to come to Him. God will allow things to shake up in our lives to get our attention. It is to steer us toward Him.
The wilderness can be terrifying because the unknown can be terrifying, but rest assured that God is there. He will never bring us into a situation without first providing a solution before we get there. He goes before us. We may not know what to expect. God reminds us in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This isn’t always easy to accept, but we must trust that God will never harm or lead us astray. That is what Satan does.
Whatever God allows to happen in our lives, whether good or bad, serves a purpose. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Afflictions often happen to those of us whom God has called. The afflictions happen so that His glory displays through us. It is never about you but the souls you can help bring to Christ.
The wilderness is not punishment but a time of preparation and process. There will be days when you feel like giving up, but God will strengthen you. (Isaiah 40:31)says, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
During wilderness seasons, temptation and affliction are the strongest. Our sinful nature will always be at war with our spirit. You will not be able to withstand temptation by your strength. With Jesus it is possible to overcome it. Is it easy? Absolutely not, but God is faithful. The Bible says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Just because we were born into sin does not mean we must die in it. You have a choice to live righteously.
Try not to grumble and complain during your wilderness seasons. It is tempting to do so. Pray for strengthened faith during the tests, trials, and tribulations.
I recently read something that blew my mind. In Deuteronomy 1:2, (There are eleven days journey from by the way of Mount Seir unto Kadesh Barnea). It took 11 days to get to the promised land, but resulted in 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. That happened because the children of Israel lacked faith and complained. “Surely none of the men who came up from Egypt from 20 years old and above, shall see the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, because they have not wholly followed Me.” (Numbers 32:11). Only two men of that generation went into the promised land, who were Joshua and Caleb. The others died. Complaining will prolong the process of receiving your promises from God.
Remember that the wilderness, valley, isolation, dry place, or whatever you want to call it, is not to punish you. “… but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that sufferings produce perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
Wilderness seasons grow your faith and change your perspective. They also prepare you for whatever God has called you to do for His kingdom.