What is the Wilderness Experience?
As believers, each of us goes through a "wilderness
experience." In John 14:1-3, Jesus reassures us that although we face
tribulation in this world, He has prepared a place for us in heaven and should
not be troubled. Christianity is not a journey free from opposition; we can
expect resistance. Satan and his fallen angels envy us deeply, for we, formed
from dust, are destined for a glorious place in heaven—something Satan, once
crafted from precious stone, has lost forever. Isaiah 43:2-5.
Because of his rebellion, Satan has permanently forfeited this
heavenly place, and his eternal home is hell. Knowing his fate, he and his
followers work tirelessly to prevent us from experiencing the joy of heaven. He
does not want to face his punishment alone, so he strives day and night to keep
us from reaching our heavenly home.
Jesus Christ is fully aware of Satan's schemes, which is why He
urges us not to give up, no matter what we're going through. He has already
warned us that we will face trouble, trials, and storms; difficulties will
come. At times, it may feel as if God has abandoned us, but He hasn't—our God
is far too faithful to fail us. Some trials are meant to shape us, not break
us.
We each have a choice: to let life's challenges strengthen or
weaken us. By choosing a positive response, we allow these challenges to build
us up. Significant figures in the Bible went through their trials and emerged
more robust, such as:
If Joseph had allowed his wilderness experience to overwhelm him, compromise his faith, and give in to his master's wife, we would not know his story today. Though he lived long ago, his legacy endures because of
his faithful response to his trials.
Job is another remarkable example of someone who faced a severe
wilderness experience and responded with faith. Even when his wife urged him to
renounce God and die, which could have led him to hell, Job refused. He stood
firm and never denied God.
Esther, an orphan, saw her challenge as an opportunity to
deliver her people. Had she not acted, God could have raised up someone else to
save the Israelites. But she accepted the responsibility, faced the challenge,
and saved her people.
Daniel also faced his own wilderness experience. Despite the
danger, he remained faithful, even spending a night with lions who, by God's
grace, did him no harm. Daniel's positive response to his wilderness experience
allowed him to emerge stronger, untouched by fear or harm.
These examples—alongside others in the Bible—show us that many
giants of faith faced their wilderness moments with courage and came out
refined, not destroyed, by their trials.
I may not know what you're facing right now—perhaps friends,
family, or even spiritual mentors are advising you to "use wisdom"
and suggesting compromise, much like Job's wife did. Please, I urge you not to
give in. Stand firm, and you will soon find yourself laughing at the storm.
Remember, you are a child of destiny. No one counterfeits the fake; it's the
genuine, valuable original that others attempt to imitate. Your enemies have
glimpsed your future, and that's why they're fighting. Satan knows the damage
you could bring to his kingdom, so he won't simply sit back. But don't lose
heart. As the saying goes, "Tough times don't last, but tough people
do." The more complex the trial, the closer your victory. Don't let Satan
convince you that your journey and victory are far off.
Hold on to Jesus—He's beside you to see you through. The Bible
promises that if we pass through the fire, we will not be burned, and if we go
through the flood, it will not overwhelm us. Isaiah 43:2-5
You will overcome this storm, just as others have before you.
The same God who saw Joseph, Daniel, Job, and Esther through their trials will
also see you through. Victory is waiting for you.
If you have not yet given your life to Jesus, know that without
Him, your eternal destination is hellfire. But you can change that now by
inviting Jesus into your life. Ask Him to forgive your sins and accept Him as
your Lord and Savior.
For more information, visit our website at zionexperience.com.ng. For any inquiries, please email us at zionexperience11@gmail.com.
