The Wilderness Way
Have you ever found yourself complaining about life, your job, maybe the church, or your family or friends, maybe about your pastors or even God? If so then you are probably going through what I call a “Wilderness Road”. Everyone who calls themselves Christians will be led down this road many times in their lifetime. How then do we walk during these times when we are in the wilderness is the question?“There are no shortcuts to wholeness; if you want to reach the Promised Land you must first go through the wilderness.” – Clifton Burke
When we think about any kind of wilderness experience the thought is usually not a pleasant one. We understand that it usually is something difficult that presses against our entire being. We also understand that many times it could cost us something; usually something we don’t want to give up at the time. During this time our emotions rule how we respond which usually carry overtones of irritation instead of joy. Friends, even though we may not be at our best during these times we can be encouraged because we join the ranks of Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Elijah, Paul, and our Lord Jesus who all journeyed through the wilderness road as well. I understand that we live in quite different times but the challenges remain the same. I'm going to list five points that I have used in a recent sermon that I believe we need to understand when we face our wilderness experience as well as a few quotes along the way. I hope you comment on these as well as maybe share your insight from the Lord on this topic.
1) The wilderness is the training ground for future victories in our lives. (Exodus 13:17,18)
2) The wilderness is where God reveals who He is for us so that we know He is the great I am no matter what circumstance may surround us. (Exodus 14:1-4 & 17)
“That’s where faith begins….in the wilderness, when you are all alone and afraid, when things don’t make any sense.” – Elisabeth Elliot
3) In the wilderness we will be made to choose to trust God or complain against Him and His leaders. (Exodus 14:10,17)
4) In the wilderness is where God Himself teaches us to have faith that moves mountains.
“Experience is a different teacher, giving you the test first and the lessons after.”
5) In the wilderness is where God teaches us to move forward in the authority that He has given us. (Exodus 14:15,16 ... Matthew 17:20)
6) In the wilderness is where we will learn about who we really are and who God is for us as well as where He is in us.
After you go through these if you find yourself like the people of Israel then I encourage you to do a study on Moses or any of the leaders mentioned earlier and how they responded while going through their wilderness times. God Bless!!
posted by Pastor Leo A. Bailey @ 10:41 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Sometimes I dont know which is worse those that take out their frustrations about the wilderness on others or those that refuse to believe THEY can be going on a wilderness journey. We Christians tend to feel we need to never say we are having difficulties or we are ALWAYs having difficulties. Either we are island unto our selves or we are so needy in our wanderings we make everyone else exhausted with OUR wilderness journey. Why cant we just be honest with each other. Hey, today I'm travel with a lot of useless baggage but I'm going through this wilderness journey forgive me if I seem to push you with my baggage. Or even Hey, I really need prayer today for strength to continue through my wilderness journey could you pray
for me. But we seem to think we are more spiritual the more we crab about things or the more we try to deny things. News flash, most of us really dont hid these times very well. If we are truly brothers and sisters IN and WITH and THROUGH the LORD, then we need to act like it. Both when we are on the journey and for others when they are traveling through. We need to hold each other up. Not drag each other down. These wilderness times do come to an end and we need to strengthen others when its their time, just as we need their help when its ours. Prayer and our honest concern and sometimes a listening ear this is the greatest help we can give and not our murmuring and complaining about them. I know that if I keep my eyes on the RISEN LORD I will enter a stable time, and so will we all. Because He is faithful.
Right On! I appreciate your comment and would also like to say that most people don't want to be real because of fear of judgement.
You asked; Why can't people be honest with each other?" Simple because we have not become selfless yet even as Christians. Our image before people is more important then where we are really at. anyway great comment and I hope to get more from this article.
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