Book Excerpt #28 "Is the Wilderness Aways Barren?" (Advent, 2017)

51.  Is the Wilderness Always Barren?

A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare a way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” (Isaiah 40: 3) 

Waiting is difficult. Are we to view these times as completely barren? They stretch into months, even years. Such time spans can become overwhelming. God asks for our continuing trust.

Some mentors in Scripture offer us encouragement and hope. 

A few months prior to Jesus’ birth, his cousin John was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth. This faithful couple were in awe witnessing God’s miracle for Elizabeth was long past her child-bearing years.     (Luke 1). 

And what of their son, John? As a grown man, he was long in the wilderness, set apart, and being prepared to minister in proclaiming the coming of the Messiah. (Mark 1: 1-3) 

Jesus, our Savior, spent thirty years in preparation before his public ministry began. Immediately following its commencement, He was led by the Holy Spirit and tested for forty days in the desert. (Matthew 4: 1-11) Afterwards, He moved forth fulfilling his earthly destiny. 

Each lived his life one day at a time. None was idle while waiting on a promise yet to be fulfilled. They engaged themselves in a life that strengthened a personal relationship with God who was guiding them to their next steps. They served where they were and in the acceptance of where they were. They learned to listen to God for his directions. 

We see the outcome of their faithfulness. 

As we struggle with delays, we can look back to our past waiting times that led to an endpoint. We were unable to see then where our days were headed. In retrospect, we may understand how God, in his wisdom, led us to either open or closed doors. With a change in mindset, we celebrate the gift of each day. We can do all that is asked of us today, knowing that we are moving into God’s appointed future.

Lord, you ask me to walk, not in a barren place, but in a deep place with you. Our entire journey is important. Help me appreciate you as the One knowing where we are going! Any wilderness time becomes a place where my trust in you can bloom. Amen.  

I am posting this as the season of Advent begins in December, 2017. Advent prepares us for the bloom of what was was long awaited - the birth of the Messiah! 



Lynn L. Severance. "Seeking the Light of God's Comforter When Challenges Dim Our View". 51. Is the Wilderness Always Barren?. Redemption Press.