Scripture References: Exodus 13:17-18; Matthew 4:1; Hebrews 11:37-38

Intro: Welcome. Today begins a short series exploring the biblical concept of the "wilderness" or "desert." These terms describe challenging seasons God often uses in our lives. Just as Israel journeyed through the wilderness between Egypt and the Promised Land, we too experience times that feel barren or disorienting. Our hope is to provide language and understanding for these seasons, recognizing God is at work even there.

Key Points: How do we know if we're in a spiritual wilderness? Here are some common characteristics:

1. School is in Session (Education & Testing): The wilderness is a place of intense learning, often through pain and pressure. Trials reveal what's truly in us and teach lessons we might not learn otherwise. It's a "mandatory field trip" for faith, designed to refine us. Don't waste the pain; ask God what He's teaching.
2. It's a Paradox (Contradictory Experiences): Wilderness holds deep tension. It can feel dangerous, barren, lonely, and full of temptation, yet simultaneously be a place of profound divine encounter, provision, miracles, and intimacy with God. It often involves mixed, confusing emotions.
3. It's Disorienting (Lack of Familiarity): Old landmarks disappear. The path forward feels unclear. We experience a dislocation from what was comfortable or known. God often leads us from wide-open visibility into terrain where we can't easily see ahead, requiring greater trust.
4. It's Full of Temptation: With little external appeal, the wilderness can heighten internal struggles. Temptation often feels stronger, sometimes seeking us out, urging us toward false comforts or escapes from the pressure.
5. It Feels Inopportune (Poor Timing): Wilderness seasons often disrupt our plans and expectations, arriving precisely when we feel least prepared or most ambitious for other things (like Jesus after His baptism, Israel after deliverance).

Conclusion: Recognizing you're in a wilderness isn't a sign of failure, but often an indication that God is actively working in your life. These seasons, though difficult, are purposeful landscapes for growth, deeper reliance on God, and profound encounters with Him. Understanding these markers helps us navigate them with faith.

Call to Action:

• Reflect: Do any of these characteristics describe your current season?
• If yes, acknowledge you might be in a God-ordained wilderness.
• Ask God: What lessons are You teaching me? What are You revealing?
• Lean In: Engage with God honestly about the struggle. Don't waste the "education" He offers in this time. (Next week: What God does in the wilderness).

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