The Blessings of a Wilderness Experience

I was recently in a service and heard someone use the phrase, “I have been in a wilderness experience.” My mind instantly grabbed a hold of what they were saying and I related to the expression, having known the same feeling. A wilderness experience, a place, situation, or multitude of people or things that makes somebody feel confused, overwhelmed, or desolate, is how the dictionary defines it.

To most folks a wilderness would be something terrible, maybe even to be ashamed of being there. However, as I begin to consider wilderness experiences I quickly realized it was actually a prelude to greater things in a person’s life. Let me share a few thoughts that came to my mind.

Moses was in the wilderness when God called him to lead Israel out of Egypt. In fact, Moses had spent forty years in the wilderness prior to his call. He had even become productive and blessed in the wilderness. The wilderness prepared him to lead Israel. It was in the wilderness that his attitude changed from that of a brash, impatient man who relied on his own power, ability and authority to a man who was gentle, patient and giving of himself.

It was a wilderness time, again of forty years, that prepared Israel to enter into Canaan. It was a time of learning to be obedient to God’s word. It was a time of learning to rely on God and His ability to meet their needs. It was a time of learning that God keeps His promises. When they came out of the wilderness, Israel was ready to rely on Him.

Joshua spent forty years in the wilderness and it prepared him to become the leader of Israel after Moses died. It prepared him face the impossible obstacles such as the Jordan, Jericho and nations that were much greater military powers than Israel and to know that God would fight their battles for them. The wilderness prepared him to stand before Israel and challenge them to serve the Lord God.

Caleb was spurred by forty years spent in the wilderness and declared that he was fully prepared to claim the promises of God. Caleb went on to demand he receive what was his and assured Joshua he was going to lead his people into battle and take their land.
The wilderness brought compassion and insight to a young man who was to be king of Israel. For a number of years David lived in caves in the wilderness while running for his life. This time prepared him for forty years of leading Israel. It was here he learned to treasure the blessings of God. It was here that he experienced rejection and became compassionate toward those who also experienced rejection, even to his own injury.

It was in the wilderness that Elijah had a close encounter with God. He had experienced the power of God in his life. He had witnessed many miracles, food from ravens, oil and meal supplied from God, consuming fire from heaven, a rainstorm in response to his prayer and fleet feet that could out run horses. However, it was in the wilderness that God spoke to him in the still small voice. God showed that he was not alone but others also trusted God. It was in the wilderness that God sent an angel to minister to Elijah and to encourage him, enabling him to return to his ministry. After the wilderness he was able to share the anointing that was upon his life with Elisha and then to pass on a double portion to his disciple. It was after the wilderness that God sent him a fiery taxicab to escort him to heaven.

In the wilderness, John the Baptist prepared himself for the ministry that God had called him. In the wilderness, John received the message, which he preached to Israel. It was from the wilderness that he obtained the intestinal fortitude to stand up to the highest authority in the land and declare a need for righteousness. Jesus pointed out there was none like John the Baptist.

It was in the wilderness that Jesus spent forty days spiritually preparing himself for his ministry. It was here that He withstood testing and temptations that were designed to sabotage His purpose, but they failed. It was in the wilderness that angels came to minister to Him. It was from the wilderness that He came preaching a message of the kingdom of God working miracles and healing all manner of diseases.

After his conversion, Paul took some time to go into the desert of Arabia. We are not sure how long he was there but some feel maybe close to three years. It was during this time that he obtained a personal knowledge of God. He had many years of teaching but it was in the wilderness that God was able “… He revealed his Son to me so that I could proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.” (Gal 1:16) He came from this wilderness experience with a message and mission to take the wonderful message of Jesus Christ to the whole world.

The wilderness can affect us two different ways. When Israel was in the wilderness, many people died because they refused to recognize it as a place of growth and maturity. They looked upon it as their destiny. They saw themselves as grasshoppers and unable to overcome. The other way it can affect us is as a place where God can become personal with us and take us to a new level in Him. He can minister to us and encourage us. He can give us a new message brought about by a divine revelation of whom He is.

Do not become frustrated and discouraged in your wilderness. Remember and stand on the promises of God for you life. Envision the great victories because of time spent in the wilderness. Use this time as a time to focus on your relationship with Jesus Christ learns of Him. Watch as God brings blessings of provision and sustenance to you, ministering to your needs. I know the wilderness isn’t a pleasant place to be but when you have entered the promises of God and look back on the wilderness you will be blessed at what you experienced during that time. Enjoy the blessings of the wilderness…

Just a thought! God Bless…