Wilderness Experiences

You must be willing to be tried and tested.

For God to use us memorably, we must accept that the Holy Spirit will need to guide us through periods of spiritual and personal development. We will have to say no to the instant impulse gratification that marks mediocre lives.

In the wilderness, we learn to fight battles and overcome the temptations of the flesh. We also know to resist the temptation of always looking for shortcuts in our advancement. The wilderness teaches us the value of discipline and the art of depending on God alone.

“As sure as God puts His children in the furnace of affliction, He will be with them in it.” (Charles Spurgeon)[1]

In the wilderness, we are broken of self-sufficiency and self-promotion. We gain a clearer perspective on our spiritual journey. We might solidify our sense of purpose. We are prepared for the next level of our calling.

Quality leaders can almost always point to wilderness experiences as part of their development and growth. During lonely wilderness trials and testing, our motives are pur…