No one volunteers for the wilderness.
We volunteer for clarity, blessing, and breakthrough — but not for deserts. Yet in Scripture, the wilderness is not where God abandons His people. It is where He forms them.
In this first episode of our Lenten series Love in the Wilderness, we explore what it means to be led — not driven, not lost, not punished — but led by the Spirit into a season of testing and formation.
This is not just Jesus’ story.
It is Israel’s story.
And if we are honest, it is our story too.
Primary Scripture
Matthew 4:1 — “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness…”
Supporting Texts
Exodus 13:17–18
Deuteronomy 8:2
Deuteronomy 29:5
Hosea 2:14
(All Scripture quotations: World English Bible, public domain)
What You’ll Discover in This Episode
The Spirit Leads into Testing
Jesus enters the wilderness immediately after hearing the Father declare, “This is my beloved Son.” Testing does not contradict belovedness.
The Wilderness Was Israel’s Preparation — Not Punishment
God avoided the shorter Philistine route because Israel was not ready for battle. The long way was an act of grace.
The Wilderness Formed a Generation
An entire generation grew up together.
They learned daily dependence through manna.
Their clothing did not wear out.
What left Egypt as a crowd entered Canaan as a disciplined people.
The wilderness produced cohesion, readiness, and resilience.
Jesus Re-Walks Israel’s Story
Forty days mirrors forty years.
Where Israel failed, Jesus obeys.
The wilderness is covenant ground.
God Often Avoids the Short Way
The shorter road is not always the better road. Sometimes delay is mercy. Sometimes narrowing is preparation.
Why This Matters
If momentum has slowed…
If doors have narrowed…
If clarity feels dim…
You may not be lost.
You may be led.
Before public authority, there is private formation.
Before being sent, there is preparation.
Contemplative Prayer
“I am not abandoned…
I am being led.”
Carry that with you this week.
Takeaways
The wilderness is purposeful, not random.
God often avoids the shortest route to build deeper strength.
Testing does not contradict God’s love for you.
Weekly Challenge
Reflect on a past or present wilderness season:
Where did your faith grow stronger?
Where can you now see God’s sustaining hand?
What seemed like delay that later proved to be preparation?
As Romans 8:28 reminds us, all things work together for good when we walk in alignment with God’s purpose.
Series Overview — Love in the Wilderness
Over the next six episodes, we will walk through:
Led
Hungry
Questioned
Tempted
Sustained
Sent
This is a Lenten journey through testing, dependence, and authority formed in hidden places.
Between Episodes
If you would like a steady voice during the week, check out Brent’s companion podcast Still, Here—calm reflections and prayer for daily resilience and spiritual grounding.
Available wherever you listen to podcasts or at:
PowerLoveandMiracles.com
If this episode encouraged you, consider:
Sharing it with someone in a wilderness season
Leaving a rating or review
Subscribing so you don’t miss the next step in this Lenten journey
Next Week:
Hungry — What Lack Reveals About Trust
This work is freely shared. If it nourishes your life with God, you’re welcome to help sustain it.
