“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1 NLT)
Recently I watched a documentary on TV about a young Australian Aborigine who is on a ceremonial walkabout. He is guided through the wilderness by a more experienced relative. A walkabout is a traditional aboriginal practice where young men learn to survive in the wilderness. This spiritual rite of passage is meant to help these young men discover their oneness with all creation.
Have you ever felt like the Spirit was leading you into the wilderness to be tested? Whenever we are faced with tragedy, or when we are stripped of comfort and security, it feels as if we are in a desert. The Spirit guides us into these circumstances, but He also stays with us as we go through trials and temptations.
Time in the wilderness can spur internal growth and discovery. It helps us realize our limitations and weaknesses. As we overcome temptations, our resilience increases. Trials can draw us closer to God if we learn to trust and depend on Him. They can shape our perspective about what is true and meaningful. The Holy Spirit continually guides us through the chaos of the wilderness, through the bareness of the desert, until we discover our oneness with God.
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