Scriptural Foundation:
Exodus 3:1 New King James Version (NKJV)
Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
Matthew 3:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)
In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’”
Matthew 4:1 New Living Translation (NLT)
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.
Reflection:
Since I was young, I dreamt of getting married, buying a house, having kids and living happily ever after. The funny thing is about dreams, is that they are far from reality. At the time I had no idea how hard it was going to be obtaining that dream. I have achieved pretty much the elements that my dream consisted of, however looking around it doesn’t look or feel like I thought it was going to feel. I never knew how much work laundry was until I was doing ten loads a week….I have a particular separation and wash cycle. The washing is not the issue, it is the folding, putting away and twice a year the season shift of everyone’s whole wardrobe. It is in these repetitive mundane tasks that one gets lost in the daily grid. It is when we have reached the end of ourselves that is when we enter into our wilderness time. This process is necessary to bring about change in one’s life. There are two paths in life, one that is wide and one that is narrow (Matthew 7:13). Although life could be easier on the wide path, there is not a sense of satisfaction. The narrow path is trying; however the reward that is attained far out weighs any of the suffering that brought you to this point.
There are several examples in the Bible, where the Lord had to draw individuals out into the desert each time for the purposes of reaching the end of self and depending solely on the Word of God. Anything outside the Word is fruitless, that is why the pursuit of certain objects, job titles, or experiences seems hollow when reached. The wilderness periods of your life are not meant to break you down, but are to indicate that a certain season of your life is ending and is helping you build endurance for the next season of your life. It is like having a test prior to looking at the all material. Remember the Holy Spirit knows everything and where He leads you. He will support you and will be satisfied.
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- What parts of your life is just not satisfying? What do you think that is?
- Ask the Holy Spirit what are you missing?
- Always remember the victory always comes on the heels of your wilderness season.