Preparation in the Wilderness
“We have [a high priest] who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Hebrews 4:15-16
I’m sure we can all look back to seasons of wilderness in our lives. Seasons of waiting, trials, uncertainty, preparation. You may have just done it with the end of 2025. Hindsight is helpful, but it’s what happens within us that really matters.
What did we see in the Israelites? 40 years they waited for the promised land. Yet every day they woke up they didn’t have the full picture. Through their impatience and their grumbling, they saw that God provides yet they didn’t always obey and allow the season to grow their faith as they sought the Lord.
What about Jesus? Symbolic of the Israelites’ journey he spent 40 days and nights in the wilderness tempted by ‘the tempter’ (Matt 4:1-11). He heard half-truths, and attempted manipulation yet, at every point, he defeated the lies with Scripture.
Now it’s our turn. We’re in the wilderness. Waiting for Jesus to return. A western view of time often sees eternal life starting once we pass away. But a middle eastern view of time sees all of eternity on the spectrum. Our eternal life with Jesus is now. Because he is our great high Priest, we can approach his throne with confidence. We can receive his mercy and grace every single moment. We can allow his Spirit to transform us.
Throughout history God shows us the same thing he showed the Israelites; that he is faithful. So, friends, let’s keep trusting him through all seasons.