In the wilderness, distractions are removed and space is provided to experience the goodness of God. Wilderness becomes an oasis as who God is becomes clearer when everything is stripped away. When we’re forced to turn and look at God, we find what we’ve been looking for all along. In the quietness, seclusion and desperation of being here, God draws near, cares for us and satisfies us with His love (Deut. 32:10). God might have had enough with you flirting with your idols. He has you in the wilderness to woo your affections back to Him alone.
4. Spiritual Wilderness can be a place where God shows His glory.
The wilderness pushes us to the edge of despair and giving up. We feel our limits, insufficiency and inability to deliver ourselves. It saps our strength. Our hope might be gone as solutions flee. How will we survive? Will God provide? How will I make it?
When all other doors are closed and our options run out, God powerfully proves Himself. God is often the first one we blame and the last one we give credit (Deut. 8:17). The desert is an empty, hopeless place. Resources are scarce, we feel alone and escape eludes us. But because nothing but the power and grace of God can get us out, we know it’s Him when provision, deliverance or help comes along. The wilderness becomes the place where God’s mighty and merciful hand is clearly and compellingly seen.
When thousands sit on the hillside and Christ’s followers hold only a few fish and loaves in their hands, Jesus can then show His power and miraculous ability to provide through a miracle (John 6:1-14). Jesus lets them get hungry and takes them away from all resources at the end of a long day so he can be the one who feeds them. The longer the wait and stronger the hunger, the more satisfying the food.
God might intend to take you into the wilderness so you can be awed and amazed by what He will do. He wants to build your trust and increase your faith, but sometimes it takes experiencing His wondrous works in the wilderness.
Remember, your time in the wilderness is not a waste. Trust, this will not last forever, but drought will eventually give way to refreshing rain. God is leading you and His purpose is to do you good in the end. Waiting is hard, but God promises there is grace in the wilderness.
