Brothers and sisters, this is an important subject to be learned in the Christian life as we journey through this world. Here the question is posed, how will you face your wilderness life? Will you gain the victory or will the wilderness overtake you? Each and every Christian who has named the name of Christ must pass through a wilderness life, and afterwards our calling and election shall be made known to us.

We are going to learn about different groups of people who went through a wilderness life and how they overcame.

“And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. And Moses said to the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.” Exodus 14:10, 13

“And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.” Exodus 13:17–18

“‘And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night. He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.’ Says the psalmist, ‘He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.’ Psalm 105:39. See also 1 Corinthians 10:1, 2. The standard of their invisible Leader was ever with them. By day the cloud directed their journeyings or spread as a canopy above the host. It served as a protection from the burning heat, and by its coolness and moisture afforded grateful refreshment in the parched, thirsty desert. By night it became a pillar of fire, illuminating their encampment and constantly assuring them of the divine presence.” –Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 282

God uses two methods with which to teach His people. First, through instruction, and then through testing to see if they will be firm to the instruction given them.

In the time of Gideon the people were being tested. “Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. And the LORD said to Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against Me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.” Judges 7:1–2

“And they went out, ‘about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. And a mixed multitude went up also with them.’ In this multitude were

not only those who were actuated by faith in the God of Israel, but also a far greater number who desired only to escape from the plagues, or who followed in the wake of the moving multitudes merely from excitement and curiosity. This class were ever a hindrance and a snare to Israel.” –Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 281

“And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.” Exodus 12:37–38

In the work of Reformation two groups are identified—the true reformers and the multitudes who come only because they want to be named among God’s people. The exodus also comprised of two groups, the Israelites and the mixed multitude from Egypt. Brethren, do you want to be part of the mixed multitude or one of the faithful few?

Daniel was thrown in the den of Lions and was not destroyed by the lions. “Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said to Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver thee. And a stone was brought, and laid on the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before Him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.” Daniel 6:16–17, 22

Jesus also was in His wilderness life for forty days after His baptism. “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungered.” Matthew 4:1–2

John the Baptist was also in the wilderness life. And Elijah, before he went to King Ahab was also in his wilderness life. Brethren, how will you face your wilderness life when it comes?

A wilderness life is a state when one sees God as his only support, and trusts in God alone. Every true Christian is to pass through the wilderness in order to learn to trust in God fully. The final wilderness will be the Sunday law; each should prepare for it today.

THREE STAGES IN THE WILDERNESS LIFE

  1. Calling Stage. This is the first stage in a Christian’s life. We hear the word of God; and when we hear the call we come to Jesus.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 28:19. The children of Israel were called out of Egypt, and were being baptized by Moses. “Moreover, brothers, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea.” 1 Corinthians 10:1–2

  1. Instructional stage. The teaching and learning process begins. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20. “And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:3–4
  2. Testing and observation stage, selection stage. Inthis stage a Christian is to have patience that he may endure. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:12, 2–4

To select the faithful few of the many who are being called, the Bible says, “for many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14. Will you be among the faithful few? “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

HOW SHALL YOU FACE YOUR WILDERNESS LIFE?

Job was able to say, “If the scourge slay suddenly, he will laugh at the trial of the innocent.” Job 9:23.
Peter was able to say, “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.” 1 Peter 1:17; 4:12

Paul warned us, “But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:  Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in Whom we trust that He will yet deliver us.” 2 Corinthians 1:9–10

Paul concluded by saying, “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:5–8

In order to prepare Moses for the great work before him, he had to learn much. “Moses had been learning much that he must unlearn. The influences that had surrounded him in Egypt—the love of his foster mother, his own high position as the king’s grandson, the dissipation on every hand, the refinement, the subtlety, and the mysticism of a false religion, the splendor of idolatrous worship, the solemn grandeur of architecture and sculpture—all had left deep impressions upon his developing mind and had molded, to some extent, his habits and character. Time, change of surroundings, and communion with God could remove these impressions. It would require on the part of Moses himself a struggle as for life to renounce error and accept truth, but God would be his helper when the conflict should be too severe for human strength.” –Patriarchs and Prophets, p.248

How many are treading like Moses? The time will come when each and every true Christian will be tested for a greater work that the Lord is preparing them for, as was Moses. Therefore, will you humble yourself as did Moses? His life is an example for every true Christian to learn from.

“Now all these things happened to them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11

Finally brethren, may we be encouraged by with these words, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” 2 Peter 1:10

May God bless you; all grace be unto you. Amen.

Jenifer Akello