Ways in the Wilderness
St. Matthew 4:1
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness.
Yes – He went through the wilderness, and He did it
just for you. Now it’s your turn to go through the
wilderness for someone else. Consider carefully, and
you'll see that the end will justify the means. Our
God is all-knowing! As you go along from day to day,
your humility will allow you to see what He sees, and
to understand what He is doing for you - not to you!
Trust Him, my friend. Follow Him, and trust Him.
Please don't accuse Him, or disappoint Him, on your
journey.
This is not a grievous thing. Let not your heart be
troubled at the term "wilderness." Even though it's a
wilderness, it is not all forest - there are ways in
the wilderness, paths forged by Jesus. He pioneered
the Way, and others before you, followed in His
footsteps. Now, it's your turn.
Be of a good cheer.
God says: “…. I make ways in the wilderness. Nothing
is formidable. You shall get through, get beyond, get
over, and get out.”
It makes no difference whether you’re in a valley, or
on a lonely mountain top, or in a dry, barren desert.
God is with you!
His Word stands beside you, every step of the way. He
sends it to instruct you. It speaks faith to you. It
helps you to discern the "beasts in the wilderness."
The experience is maturing you. Only this wilderness
can prepare you for the future He's selected for you.
Maybe today, you're pondering new avenues, new moves
or new modes of maneuvering through your journey.
There is a way that may seem right to you, but the end
of this way is death – separation from your heavenly
Father.
Let Jesus lead you all the way. He’s been there
before. He knows the spiritual territory. He is
acquainted with every temptation in this landscape.
He knows your special needs and infirmities. He will
not allow this situation to overtake you.
Is not your heavenly Father faithful? Expect Him to
manifest that way which is now hidden to you. It is
your way of escape. It is the God-chosen way for you
to endure as you forbear the journey. You have a
breastplate of righteousness, a helmet of salvation
and your feet are shod with the preparation of the
gospel of peace.
Let Jesus teach you how to use your Sword - the Word
of God - against the tempter who comes to persuade you
to turn away from the Truth. Care not for the things
of the world, as you valiantly trudge down the path
set before you. Focus on Him who goes before you, for
He is your Shepherd - your Restorer of paths to dwell
in.
Let Him be your Pillar, the One on whom you lean. Let
Him be the One in whom you confide your fears. Put no
confidence in flesh, as you travel through this
wearisome way. Let His loving message of hope dry
your eyes so you can see clearly. Brace yourself for
those onlookers who will question your faith in God.
Withstand them in love, and give them a reason of the
hope you have within you. If they will hear, you will
have witnessed boldly for Jesus.
Those who are sent to you by the Spirit of God will
speak boldly of His love. Their spirit will call unto
the deep in your spirit. Be only knitted together
with the hearts of men who understand the will of God
for your life. Watch and pray, and you will not be
deceived. Enter not into temptation, along this
journey.
As you pass this way, your spiritual "backpack" will
become lighter and lighter. What you came into the
wilderness with, will not be what you come out with.
You might not have noticed, but as your Savior leads
you, weights and besetting sins are dropping off. Old
things are passing away. Those former interests
which were as "flesh hooks" to you, don't even come
into your thoughts. Have you thought about this? God
knows what He's doing.
He knows you better than you even know yourself. Did
He not say in His Word, that He knows those who are
His? Those who are His, will not betray Him, as they
encounter twists and turns in their wilderness. Those
who are His, will receive power to go forth along the
narrow ways in the wilderness.
In the wilderness, you will meet enemies of the cross.
Know your God, and defend Him before those who attack
His character! God is holy, just and good. He is not
a Father who punishes or abandons His children. He
takes His children by the hand and leads them to a
more abundant life.
He never told us we wouldn't experience hunger,
nakedness or thirst. Hebrews 11:37 shows us those
Faith Worthies who wandered about in sheepskins and
goatskins; being destitute, afflicted and tormented.
Just for a moment, let us consider our Savior who
endured such contradiction of sinners against himself.
Did He walk away from His mission? You are not
alone, and God understands when you feel faint and
weary in your mind. But beloved - you have not had to
shed blood in your striving to get through these
challenges! Thank the Lord!
Wasn't it David who said his own kinsfolk and friends
stood aloof from him? But that weak David who went
into the wilderness, came out bold - crowned with
honor!
Temptation will present itself to you, to see if your
belly is your god.
"Why is this happening to me?" you wonder. It is not
only you, Beloved. It is also a challenge for your
sisters and brothers who have departed from iniquity
just like you. We all know that the same afflictions
are accomplished in our brethren and sisters that are
in the world, as it says in I peter 5:9.
Things happen for a variety of reasons. Will you
choose to serve Him, or the world? When pressure is
brought to bear, will you stand, having the loins of
your mind girded by righteousness? Will you cave in
to popularity through a will to be a man-pleaser? He
is interested in your choices.
Hold to His hand, as you follow Him. Don't be
persuaded by others' opinions. Hear His voice, and
heed His counsel. He will lead you all the way out.
Trust Him, dear one, and surely you will eat of the
good of the land - the land of your promises.
