In the wilderness

In the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the Word of God [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] came to John son of Zachariah in the wilderness (desert). Luke 3:2 AMP

Where was John when he heard from God about salvation through Christ? He was in the wilderness. We all have times in our lives when our life seems like the wilderness - overwhelmed with circumstances, directionless, obstacles everywhere we look. 

We don't normally choose to go into the wilderness, as Jesus did after He was baptised by John in the Jordan. 

Immediately the [Holy] Spirit [from within] drove Him out into the wilderness (desert). And He stayed in the wilderness (desert) forty days, being tempted [all the while] by Satan; Mark 1:12-13a AMP

We then read how the devil tried and tested Jesus. But we also read that He was not alone in the wilderness. 

and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels ministered to Him [continually]. Mark 1:13b AMP

For us, it may seem as though we have stumbled into the wilderness. It is difficult at the time to see it as part of a bigger picture that God has for our lives, and often the lives of others. God can do wonderful things in us and for us when we are in the wilderness. 

Marvelous things did He in the sight of their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan [where Pharoah resided]. He divided the [Red] Sea and caused them to pass through it, and He made the waters stand like a heap. In the daytime also He led them with a [pillar of] cloud and all the night with a light of fire. He split rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink abundantly as out of the deep. He brought streams also out of the rock [as Rephidim and Kadesh] and caused waters to run down like rivers. Psalm 78:12-16 AMP

Our challenge is to lift our eyes off our circumstances in the wilderness long enough, to see what God is doing. And to remember what He has done. Not like the Israelites.

They remembered not [seriously the miracles of the working of] His hand, nor the day when He delivered them from the enemy, how He wrought His miracles in Egypt and His wonders in the field of Zoan [where Pharoah resided] Psalm 78:42-43 AMP

Our challenge, when in the wilderness, is to stop and listen to the Holy Spirit. Listen and obey His direction for our lives.

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts, as [happened] in the rebellion [of Israel] and their provocation and embitterment [of Me] in the day of testing in the wilderness Hebrews 3:7-8 AMP

Questions for today, does it seem like you are in the wilderness, alone, with no one to help you? Why not take some time right now to call out to God and ask Him to help you see His provision for you? 

Do you want to hear from God as John did? Why not right now, stop, be still, and listen. Wait for the revelation to come. 

Does the situation seem hopeless, with no good to come from it? Again, why not ask God to help you trust Him, and fill you with confidence in Christ.

And Moses certainly was faithful in the administration of all God's house [but it was only] as a ministering servant. [In his entire ministry he was but] a testimony to the things which were to be spoken [the revelations to be given afterward in Christ]. But Christ (the Messiah) was faithful over His [own Father's] house as a Son [and Master of it]. And it is we who are [now members] of this house, if we hold fast and firm to the end our joyful and exultant confidence and sense of triumph in our hope [in Christ]. Hebrews 3:5-6 AMP