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Bible Study Article

Going Through The Wilderness With Grace

What is the Wilderness?

The wilderness is a rough place in life that represents a time for change. God uses this period in our lives to mold us.

No matter how difficult this time gets, God gives us everything we need (grace) to make it through!

If you are going through a wilderness time in your life it could be because God is working on you. Take courage! God has a plan and it is for your good.

Two words are used in the Bible to refer to wilderness. In the Old Testament the original Hebrew text used the word midbâr in Numbers 14:29. It means desert, a pasture or open field to drive cattle. In Hebrews 4:8 and 4:17 in the New Testament the original Greek text used the word eremos which means desert, desolate, solitary, or lonesome.

Is God preparing you for something? Both Gold and Steel are refined and molded in the fire.God uses the wilderness to get us alone where we can focus on Him and on developing ourselves. It is a tough time – but remember – both Gold and Steel are refined and molded in the fire.

Why Do We Have to Go Through the Wilderness?

Although the wilderness is a difficult time, it is a necessary process. It lasts for only a season. We must pass through it to get to where God wants us to be, where He can use us to accomplish His plan for our lives.

In the case of the Israelites, God was preparing His chosen people to enter the Promised Land. With Jesus, God was preparing Him for His ministry.

Is God working on something in you? Is He preparing you for something?

What Happens in the Wilderness?

The wilderness is a time and place for:

  1. Testing: God wants us to develop our faith in Him,
  2. Pruning: God wants to eliminate the bad from our lives so the good can grow,
  3. Discipline: God wants us to come to a point where we are obedient,
  4. Strengthening: God wants to empower us,
  5. Preparation: God wants to condition us for future tasks, a responsibility or position,
  6. Training: God wants to enable us with skills and/or abilities, and
  7. Give Testimony: God wants to get the glory and the honor as we encourage others.

Where is God in the Wilderness?

God provides everything we need (grace) to get through the wilderness, to help us so we do not get stuck in the wilderness.

  1. God determines when you go into the wilderness. (Luke 4:1)
  2. God determines why you go into the wilderness. (Luke 4:2, Exodus 3:17, 7:16)
  3. God feeds you in the wilderness. (Ex. 16:35)
  4. God leads you in the wilderness. (Ex. 13:21)
  5. God disciplines you in the wilderness (He disciplines those He loves). (Heb. 12:5-6)
  6. God encourages you in the wilderness.
  7. God challenges you in the wilderness.

What Should We Avoid In The Wilderness?

We will be tempted! Many things will come along to comfort us or sidetrack us from God’s will for us.

There are Five Sins of the Wilderness that the Israelites were guilty of in the desert. (1 Corinthians 10)

  • lust (v. 6)
  • idolatry (v. 7)
  • fornication (v. 8)
  • tempt Christ (v. 9)
  • murmur (and complain) (v. 10)

We need to examine ourselves to see if we have them too. God has provided a way of escape from these sins. It is your choice if you take it or not! (1 Corinthians 10:13)

How Do We Get Out of the Wilderness?

Do not fight what God is doing in you. Get on His programs. See the Seven Points for Going Through and Coming Out of the Wilderness on the top-right of this webpage.

Seven Points for
Going Through and Coming Out of the Wilderness

  1. Have Faith in God - Look to Him in the Wilderness. (Hebrews 3 and 4)
    • Have Confidence – Focus on and Trust in God, His Word, and His Promises.
    • Follow the example of Caleb and Joshua – stop looking at the Giants – God can handle them. (Numbers 13:30 & 14:37-38)
    • God Will See It Through. (Phil 2:13; 1:6)

  2. Pray, Fast, Stay in God’s Word (1 Thel. 5:17)
    • Stand still and get alone with God.
    • Let the word come alive in you.

  3. Have Patience (James 1:3-4)
    • Everything happens in God’s timing.
    • Hold On – like on the Bus or subway. The road can get rocky, but as long as you hold on then you will be okay.
    • Because of your faith you will not fail.

  4. Know God’s Will for Yourself
    • Ask Him for direction (James 1:5).
    • Ask what He wants of you.

  5. Do not worry, fret or complain (Matt. 6:34, Phil. 2:14)
    • Count it all joy. (James 1:2)

  6. Examine yourself (Psalm 139:23)
    • Repent from the sins in your life.

  7. Submit yourself to the process
    • Be mold-able. (James 4:7-8)

Are you GOING THROUGH ... the Wilderness?
Or
Are you STAYING IN ... the Wilderness?


Study God's Word

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.

It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.

Matthew 22:29 KJV

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

Deuteronomy 11:18-19

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

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