What does it mean to have a wilderness experience?

Answer

A “wilderness experience” is commonly perceived as a challenging period during which a believer faces discomfort and trials. The enjoyable aspects of life may not be accessible or may be completely absent, leading to a sense of discouragement. A “wilderness experience” often involves heightened temptation and spiritual attacks, and it can manifest as a spiritual, financial, or emotional drought. Undergoing a “wilderness experience” does not necessarily indicate that a believer is sinning; rather, it is a time of testing ordained by God.

A “wilderness experience” is frequently associated with a “mountaintop experience,” where the struggle follows a previous success of some kind. The period of trial typically follows a period of accomplishment or achievement.

Numerous biblical figures endured a “wilderness experience.” For instance, the Israelites, upon leaving Egypt, witnessed a miraculous deliverance through the Red Sea. Their “mountaintop experience” was the triumph of gaining freedom from slavery. However, this was succeeded by a journey through the desert, where they faced trials and ultimately failed the test, resulting in a forty-year “wilderness experience.”

Other individuals who underwent a “wilderness experience” include the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-9), the apostle Paul (Galatians 1:17-18), and the patriarch Job.

Even Jesus had a “wilderness experience.” Following His baptism, “the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan” (Mark 1:12-13). Jesus’ experience imparts some crucial lessons: 1) being tempted is not a sin, and 2) facing trials is part of God’s plan.In times of testing come our way—Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit” when He went into the wilderness «And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, », (Luke 4:1); and 3) we are never without God’s grace—Jesus may have been “with the wild animals,” but “angels attended him,” too «And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. », (Mark 1:13).

In a “wilderness experience,” a believer may struggle simply to survive from day to day. Financial, material, physical, or emotional burdens may press on him. The flesh cries out for relief. The believer is forced to wait on the Lord, find God’s peace and joy in the midst of trouble, and through it all mature in his walk with Christ. Paul offers this encouragement for those who “have this treasure in jars of clay”: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body” (2 Corinthians 4:7-10). The reason for these trials, Paul says, is “to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (verse 7).

The wilderness is an unpleasant place, in worldly terms. We naturally desire prosperity, health, and ease. But the same God who created the garden also created the wilderness. There will be times of trial and pressure. Our faith will be tested. But the God of grace will meet us even in the wilderness. Missionary Amy Carmichael knew this truth: “Bare heights of loneliness . . . a wilderness whose burning winds sweep over glowing sands, what are

“They to HIM? Even there He can refresh us, even there He can renew us.”