FOLLOWING THE MODEL OF JESUS IN OUR WILDERNESS TIMES
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I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:19 –
God allows us at times to enter a wilderness experience. A time of trial when no end appears in sight… no light at the end of the tunnel. A time when God seems to have forgotten us. The wilderness looks to be too vast to traverse, too desolate to endure.
God’s chosen people faced a 40-year wilderness experience. Imagine having a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night guiding you through the desert. Imagine receiving heavenly manna, the bread of angels, to sustain you. What incredible manifestations of a loving, caring God! Their God was with them every step of the way.
Yet the Israelites bristled and chafed at their wilderness journey. Their years of wandering were characterized by questioning God’s love and concern for them… doubting His promises of care and provision… and even abandoning Him, worshiping instead the idols of the surrounding godless nations.
The work God does in the wilderness is preparing you for what’s on the other side of it. – Author Unknown
God uses our times in the “desert” for wilderness training. He allowed His own Son to undergo a wilderness experience. After 40 days of fasting in the desert, Jesus was tired, alone, hungry. At this most vulnerable time, He was tempted by Satan. We can look to this experience of Jesus to discover key points on how to endure and grow in our wilderness journeys.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4
⇒ What can we learn from our Lord’s wilderness experience?
† Jesus stayed close to the Father – As should we. For He has not forgotten us… we have forgotten Him. We have taken our eyes off our Deliverer… and are seeing only the vastness of the desert. He will never abandon you or forsake you. Stand on His promises. For He desires that you draw close to Him in this time. He wants you to press into His presence, lean into His love.
† Jesus talked to the Father – In wilderness times, we may find it difficult to pray. Yet our Father wants us to search Him out in these times… to cry out to Him in our troubles. Come into His presence, not to demand your desires but to align your thoughts, your longings, your hopes with His… to see things from His perspective… to be reminded of His absolute sovereignty.
† Jesus countered the lies of the enemy with Scripture – We need to follow His model. The enemy tells us how alone we are… how terrible things have become… how this desert goes on forever. Like Jesus, speak the truth of God’s Word to refute the enemy’s lies. Be reminded from Scripture of God’s promises of love and faithfulness. For His promises never fail.
† Jesus yielded to the will of the Father – In desert times, it is natural to turn inward in despondency and self-pity. Yet God wants us to look upward to Him, our source of courage and strength. As Jesus prayed, so should we… “not My will, Lord, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Surrender to God’s perfect will. Let His wise, sovereign plan unfold in His way and timing.
† Jesus deepened His resolve to persevere – Our faith is tested in these desert days. We can either allow these times to cause us to doubt God’s love and care… or cause us to trust in Him more completely and be strengthened. For He will refine you in the wilderness if you allow Him. He will mature you, deepen your faith, and prepare you for greater things as you endure.
† Jesus received heavenly blessings – After overcoming Satan’s temptations, angels attended to Him. God will bless us in our wilderness times… although they are often hidden blessings. Seek them out amidst the barren desert and the scorching winds. Look to Him to walk you through the desert times. He will hearten you and give you hope through these blessings.
A wilderness whose burning winds sweep over glowing sands, what are they to Him? Even there He can refresh us, even there He can renew us. – Amy Carmichael, Missionary
Wilderness times may seem harsh and desolate, dark and unending. Yet our God is light, and in Him there is no darkness (1 John 1:5). As we take our focus off the bleak wilderness and focus on the richness of God, He will walk us through the parched desert, offering His rest and refreshment.
As with the Israelites, the Promised Land lies just on the other side of the desert. Follow the model of Jesus as you journey through wilderness times. Persevere. Remain steadfast in your faith. Let God unfold His perfect will in your life. And yield to His wilderness training.
† Eternal Takeaway – Remember God’s love and concern for you in your desert times †
