The Wilderness

Spending time in the wilderness is probably not at the top of your "to do" list.   Dictionary.com defines wilderness as:  a wild and uncultivated region, as of forest or desert, uninhabited or inhabited only by wild animals; a tract of wasteland.

When the Bible refers to the wilderness, it is referring to a period of time where God tests and shapes the character of His people.

The Israelites of the Old Testament found themselves wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, for a journey that should have taken 11 days.  Their journey was a journey of testing, judgement, and providence.

The Israelites wandered for so long because they failed to trust in their God, closed their mind to the possibilities that could lie ahead, and continually grumbled and complained.  Caleb, on the other hand, did trust in God.  He believed in the inheritance of the Promised Land simply because God said it was so.  
"...I, However, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.  So on that day Moses swore to me, 'The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.' (Joshua 14:8-9).
Not only did Caleb trust God wholeheartedly, but through it all he maintained a positive outlook and his behavior reflected his belief.  He was 85 years old when he said, "I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out;  I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then." (Joshua 14:11)
Caleb listened for God and trusted His Word.  God's direction was clear, and despite the grumblings of all he was with, except Joshua, Caleb did not waver.  Caleb and Joshua were the only two to reach the Promised Land.
We can find ourselves wandering in the wilderness of today, much like the Israelites.  The wilderness of today is the circumstances and challenges of our lives.  We may have financial challenges, marital problems, troubles with friendships, or concerns with our children.  These circumstances all lend themselves to times of uncertainty and confusion.  The direction to go may not be clear, and if we are not careful, we can find ourselves getting deeper and deeper into the wilderness.  Joyce Meyer points out that the way in which we respond to these circumstances will determine the length of time we spend in the wilderness.  Like Caleb, we need to listen for God's voice and trust in his Word.

How should we respond when we find ourselves in the wilderness?

1.   Release all of your circumstances to God.  "Release" means to free from confinement, bondage, obligation, and pain;  to let go.  Once you release the circumstances to God, do NOT take them back!

2.  Change your focus.  Don't get stuck on the obstacles and the things holding you back.  Look to what inspires you to press on, even when it is hard.  Keep your outlook positive and your belief strong.

3.  Look to God's promises.  His promises hold true for you even today - He is unchanging.  You can trust Him.

4.  Work towards a focused and specific goal, and press on towards that goal daily.

You have a choice.  You can continue to wander aimlessly, never reaching your destination, or you can be like Caleb, who knew God's promises, trusted Him, and passionately pursued the Promised Land.

God will use your time in the wilderness to make you more of the person He created you to be, but His desire is not for you to remain there.  His desire is to lead you to your Promised Land.