When in the Wilderness

For the Israelites, the 40 years spent in the wilderness represented more than a topographical designation.  It was a place of sanctification and preparation.  The Israelites had to stay wandering in the wilderness for forty years and, due to their disbelief and unfaithfulness, none of the first-generation exodus survivors were allowed to enter the Promised Land (Num. 13-14).  The wilderness served distinct theological purposes.

Additionally, Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness following His baptism and prior to the start of His ministry (Matt. 4).  During His time in the wilderness, Jesus was tempted.  He also had to rely solely on the provision of God to sustain Him through the hardship.  The wilderness served as a training ground, preparing Jesus for His divine work.

We also spend time in the wilderness, although our wilderness experiences are not so geographically delineated as were Jesus' or Israel's.  Sometimes wilderness experiences do depend on actual, physical wildernesses, but, on the whole, the Christian's wilderness is one of the spirit.  Our wilderness is the world, specifically the fleshly world.  When we go out into the world of the flesh, we are entering a wilderness, a wilderness of desolation and of sin.

In these times, we need to be on guard to remain obedient through the hardships that will attack our hearts, our minds, and our souls.  We should rely on God for direction and guidance, for provision and sustenance.  The wilderness is a medium for sanctification.  This is not to say that Christians should willingly leap at every wilderness opportunity without preparation.  The wilderness can be dangerous and preparations need to be made for wilderness experiences.

For instance, the primary mode for making a camping excursion enjoyable is having the right gear: tent, sleeping bag, etc.  Similarly, handling the wilderness means having the right gear.  Since the wilderness for Christians is a spiritual land, this means having the Word of God printed on our hearts, His praises on our tongues, and our spirits fixed on the Lord.

When these components are in place, the wilderness can be a challenging but rewardingly sanctifying experience.  When we are not prepared for the wilderness, it can be dangerous. The wilderness will naturally push us to rely on ourselves for provision and to doubt the Lord, both being unfaithfully treacherous and sinful.  In contrast, the wilderness requires that we rely solely on God and do not doubt.  But thanks be to God for He is always faithful to use the wilderness for our good and steadfast to pull us through and closer to Himself!