Into the Wilderness

Before we start an important mission or work for the Lord, we may be sent to a wilderness place for a while. It will be rough, uncomfortable, and often hard, but it will train us for what lies ahead, teach us the lessons we need to know, and/or give us the right attitude to move forward.

Elijah had such an experience beside the brook at Cherith where he had to depend on God for everything and saw that God was faithful to provide. The ravens brought him food and the brook provided him with water. He also had plenty of time to reflect, meditate, and pray. When the brook finally dried up from the severe drought, it was time to move on and put the things he had learned into action (1 Kings:17).

John the Baptist came from the wilderness of Judaea to began his preaching ministry. He wore clothing made of camel's hair held together by a leather girdle and ate locust and wild honey. People flocked from Jerusalem to hear this dynamic speaker, repent, and be baptized in the Jordan River (see Matthew 3).

Then, Jesus came on the scene. Even he'd had His wilderness experience where he'd fasted for forty days and forty nights in the wilderness before being tempted by the devil. After Satan gave up and left, angels ministered to Him, and He continued in doing His Father's will (see Matthew 4).

Paul, too, said he spent three years in the wilderness of Arabia after his conversion before going to Jerusalem to meet with the leaders of the new church and begin his missionary calling (see Galatians 1:17-18). So, when God calls you into a wilderness time in your life, don't fret. Learn your lessons, such as to totally depend on Him, well, and you'll be amazed at what the future holds.

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