The Necessity of the Wilderness

I have a confession to make: I prefer the “good life.” I prefer taking the shortcut home and driving in the passing lane. I’m drawn to the allure of comfort and the preference for VIP treatment. I hope that doesn’t make me sound shallow, but I’m willing to guess that you’re a lot like me. I haven’t met many people who enjoy waiting, pain, or obscurity. Who can blame us?

As we continue with last week’s theme, I want to share the first of three things I’m learning about the wilderness. The first thing I’m learning is that the wilderness is necessary. To be formed into the image of Jesus, you can’t take shortcuts, and you can’t skip steps.

The wilderness is not a detour; it’s a necessary part of the journey. Just as Jesus was led into the desert, we, too, find ourselves in those barren, uncomfortable spaces. The Promised Land lies beyond the wilderness. To get there, we must surrender to the process, humble ourselves, and emerge transformed. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary.

"In the wilderness, we find God's provision and presence in unexpected ways." - Brennan Manning

So, don’t shy away from the wilderness. Embrace it. For it’s in those barren moments that we find our purpose, encounter Jesus, and become more fully human. Let the wilderness shape you, for it’s where the inner journey truly begins.

By the way, if you’d like to learn how to develop healthier life rhythms by crafting a Rule of Life, join the waitlist for my free webinar coming soon by clicking here.