The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness, so hard places are not always signs that God is absent.
“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.”Matthew 4:1 (KJV)
What does “Wilderness” mean in Matthew 4:1?
The wilderness in Scripture is a place of testing and of dependence on God. Matthew says plainly that the Spirit led Jesus there, and that the purpose was that He be tempted.
Going deeper
Right after His baptism, when the voice from heaven had named Him the beloved Son, Jesus was led into the wilderness. Matthew is careful to say who led Him: the Spirit. That surprises many of us. We often assume that a dry or difficult season means we have done something wrong or that God has left. Jesus' own story shows that God sometimes leads His people through hard ground, and He goes with them.
The forty days that follow are the pattern behind Lent. It is a season to be honest about our weakness and to depend on God more than usual. If you are in a wilderness right now, you are not the first, and you are not alone. Ask God what He is teaching you there. And if you are not, choose a small practice this Lent that makes room for dependence, such as a fast from something, or a quiet fifteen minutes each day.
Reflect
Is there a dry or difficult place in your life where you could ask what God is teaching you?
Pray
Lord, You know what it is to be in the wilderness. Walk with me through hard places, and teach me to depend on You. In Jesus' name, amen.
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