Driven into the Wilderness
When you hear the term wilderness, what do you think of? Do you think of a hot desert? Do you think of a cold and/or barren land? A place in the middle of a forest perhaps? The wilderness, in terms of a physical place, is one where the elements of nature can wreak havoc on you. You are isolated, cold or hot, lacking food, water, and/or shelter. So whatever came to your mind at the initial question, was correct.
A spiritual wilderness can be a place where you are emotionally isolated, socially unsheltered, starved for attention, heartbroken, the subject of persecution, or out of money perhaps. In other words, a place where it seems like the enemy is able to wreak havoc on you.
After Jesus was baptized, Mark chapter 1 says He was driven into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit.
The wildernesses that we may experience, be they physical or spiritual, may have characteristics that may lead us to believe that it is the work of the enemy that causes us to are there. How often, have you said "the enemy is bothering me. Or, the devil is surely busy" But, that's just not what the Bible teaches. Therefore, not the conclusion that we should jump to. Understand this, there is NOTHING that Satan can do to you that catches God unaware. In fact, the Bible teaches us, in the book of Job, that Satan must have permission, and even then the Bible says that God will cause ALL things to work to the benefit of those who love Him and are called to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
When we find ourselves in a wilderness experience, what should we do? If we take Jesus' example, when we find ourselves in a place that we would call "a wilderness", then we should face the wilderness time with the Word of God. This is exactly what Jesus did when Satan tried to tempt Him. *Hint: You can't recite the Bible, nor use the Word of God, which is your spiritual sword, as Jesus did if you do not/have not read and digested it. Also, we should fast and pray. Unfortunately, in times of turmoil, most of us turn to prayer last and fasting never. Jesus teaches us that there are certain problems that can only be bested by fasting and praying. "However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." (Matthew 17:21 NKJV)
Maybe your wilderness is on your job, or in school. Maybe it is a lacking of funds or prolonged isolation from loved ones. Maybe a relationship has come across a rocky patch, but whatever it is, there is a purpose for you in it. Jesus was in the wilderness to be tempted (Matt 4) and to prepare for ministry. We as followers of Christ often go through wilderness experiences so that we too might gain strength, gain knowledge, develop testimonies, prepare for ministry, and also exercise our faith.
The key, of course, is that we must let the Holy Spirit drive us to the wilderness! We cannot drive ourselves there, or be lead by the enemy.
_
I love you and I am praying for you.
~Pastor, Dr. Erroyl McGinty, Jr.
SALT
Sis. Pinky's Prayer:
Hear our cry O Lord, we need you like never before! Some of us are in desolate places, seeking an answer from You. Help us to learn how to lean on You as we go through our desert experiences.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Driven into the Wilderness
When you hear the term wilderness, what do you think of? Do you think of a hot desert? Do you think of a cold and/or barren land? A place in the middle of a forest perhaps? The wilderness, in terms of a physical place, is one where the elements of nature can wreak havoc on you. You are isolated, cold or hot, lacking food, water, and/or shelter. So whatever came to your mind at the initial question, was correct.
A spiritual wilderness can be a place where you are emotionally isolated, socially unsheltered, starved for attention, heartbroken, the subject of persecution, or out of money perhaps. In other words, a place where it seems like the enemy is able to wreak havoc on you.
After Jesus was baptized, Mark chapter 1 says He was driven into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit.
The wildernesses that we may experience, be they physical or spiritual, may have characteristics that may lead us to believe that it is the work of the enemy that causes us to are there. How often, have you said "the enemy is bothering me. Or, the devil is surely busy" But, that's just not what the Bible teaches. Therefore, not the conclusion that we should jump to. Understand this, there is NOTHING that Satan can do to you that catches God unaware. In fact, the Bible teaches us, in the book of Job, that Satan must have permission, and even then the Bible says that God will cause ALL things to work to the benefit of those who love Him and are called to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
The wildernesses that we may experience, be they physical or spiritual, may have characteristics that may lead us to believe that it is the work of the enemy that causes us to are there. How often, have you said "the enemy is bothering me. Or, the devil is surely busy" But, that's just not what the Bible teaches. Therefore, not the conclusion that we should jump to. Understand this, there is NOTHING that Satan can do to you that catches God unaware. In fact, the Bible teaches us, in the book of Job, that Satan must have permission, and even then the Bible says that God will cause ALL things to work to the benefit of those who love Him and are called to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
When we find ourselves in a wilderness experience, what should we do? If we take Jesus' example, when we find ourselves in a place that we would call "a wilderness", then we should face the wilderness time with the Word of God. This is exactly what Jesus did when Satan tried to tempt Him. *Hint: You can't recite the Bible, nor use the Word of God, which is your spiritual sword, as Jesus did if you do not/have not read and digested it. Also, we should fast and pray. Unfortunately, in times of turmoil, most of us turn to prayer last and fasting never. Jesus teaches us that there are certain problems that can only be bested by fasting and praying. "However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." (Matthew 17:21 NKJV)
Maybe your wilderness is on your job, or in school. Maybe it is a lacking of funds or prolonged isolation from loved ones. Maybe a relationship has come across a rocky patch, but whatever it is, there is a purpose for you in it. Jesus was in the wilderness to be tempted (Matt 4) and to prepare for ministry. We as followers of Christ often go through wilderness experiences so that we too might gain strength, gain knowledge, develop testimonies, prepare for ministry, and also exercise our faith.
The key, of course, is that we must let the Holy Spirit drive us to the wilderness! We cannot drive ourselves there, or be lead by the enemy.
_
I love you and I am praying for you.
~Pastor, Dr. Erroyl McGinty, Jr.
SALT
Sis. Pinky's Prayer:
Hear our cry O Lord, we need you like never before! Some of us are in desolate places, seeking an answer from You. Help us to learn how to lean on You as we go through our desert experiences.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
