What did the Israelites complain about in the wilderness?

What can we learn from Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness?

In what ways can dependence on God transform our challenges into opportunities?

What practical steps can you take to rely more on God's guidance in your daily life?

Can you think of a time when you felt lost in a 'wilderness'? How did you navigate that experience?

How can the lessons of dependence and discipline in the wilderness apply to your life today?

Into the Wilderness: Discovering God's Call to Something Greater

There are two sins of man that are bred in the bone and that continually come out in the flesh. One is self-dependence and the other is self-exultation. —Charles H. Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

Trials are the great equalizer, bringing all of God’s children to dependence on Him.

John F. MacArthur

1. Dependence in the Wilderness

Exodus 16:1–4 KJV 1900

And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt. And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

How many of y’all have been camping before? Not glamping , but like in a tent camping. We went about ten years ago to a place in Tennessee that one of our friends owns right next to a creek. They had a little shack out there, but we wanted the full experience, so we set up our tent. That was interesting in itself. Even though the little shack was there, there wasn’t any power or running water. It was pretty awesome. We stayed up and shot tannerite (which got us in a little trouble because we had set it up on someone else’s property unknowingly… The explosions kind of gave away where we were. Me and my buddy did what any self-respecting man would do though and used the tannerite to split the wood for our fire. It actually worked really well. We Slept through the night and got woke up suddenly around 4am by something shaking our tent. Becca jumped on me and screamed silently as possible. She said “Oh my goodness, is there a bear out there?” To which i replied owwww you just jumped on me… I don’t know if there’s a bear out there or not, and I ain’t about to stick my head out and see. I was extra brave see… about that time our friend’s dog started barking and flew right into one of the ropes on our tent. THAT was what it was. His two boxers had gotten the zoomies and just kept jumping through the ropes on our tent. I about died laughing, and said that’s the friendliest bears I ever met. To which Becca replied with a glare that i could feel through the darkness and “I’m going back to sleep.”

We were in the wilderness though. If it weren’t for the dogs being there it actually could have been a bear that woke us up that morning. We learned a lot on that trip too. For instance, if you go kayaking in the Tennessee backwoods, don’t leave your gun at camp. You might encounter a red timber wolf within twenty feet of you and have no way to defend yourself. Thankfully, God answers prayers and he went the other way. If you ever do venture into the wilderness, you will have at least a moment to realize how small you are, and how big God is.

In Exodus chapter 16 we find the Isrealites being led into the wilderness. One thing their journey into the wilderness taught them was dependence on God, providing a lesson for us to lean on God's provision and trust in His timing. (Read v. 2) See They got a little whiny and scared just like we can when problems arise. We have to learn to depend on God when we’re going through tough times. When we feel like we are lost in the wilderness of life we tend to do what they did and want to go back to where we felt comfortable right? That’s the wrong way though. Most of the time we can’t see what God already knows. He is working, even when we don’t see it. God provided them with everything they needed t go through, and He will you too.

2. Discipline in the Wilderness

Deuteronomy 8:2–5 KJV 1900

And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee.

This my least favorite part, and my most favorite part at the same time. Discipline. That seems like a bad word now days doesn’t it? However, in God’s way of humbling us and letting us know we’re his, it is amazing. It’s not fun by any means, but we need discipline in our lives. Why? Because we’re dumb sheep. We are just like the Isrealites. God saves us from our sin, breaks the chains, and lifts us up out of the pit, and how do we react? When things get uncomfortable and shaky. In stead of trusting God we want to go back to Egypt. We want to go back to the chains, and jump back into the pit. Dumb sheep. Why? Because, at least there we knew where we stood. We knew our identity. Perhaps though, God's leading through the wilderness taught the Israelites humility and obedience, shaping their identity as God's people. This mirrors the adolescent phase that you all are going through right now, where you will be formed by challenges and decisions. If you can see it, the discipline of the wilderness is God's loving preparation, much like Jesus' own time in the desert. He demonstrated perfect obedience, inviting us to trust that our trials can shape us positively. I have heard multiple people, and I’m one of them now, that say if i had to go through all the pain and suffering; abuse, depression, anxiety again to get where I am now. Bring it on. God has shaped me through my life to have the best family, a loving and caring church, the opportunities to speak Jesus into people’s lives. I am a child of the King and I am not ashamed. My past was on purpose, but my God defines me. His discipline has shaped and formed me, and continues to do so. God reminds us of what He’s already done in our lives, and encourages us to move forward through obedience. As such, through dependence and discipline there is....

3. Discovery in the Wilderness

Matthew 4:1–11 KJV 1900

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 hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness shows that trials can clarify what we truly depend on. Isn’t it interesting that Jesus uses the scripture from Deuteronomy? From a previous wilderness encounter. Jesus' victory over temptation highlights the strength found in relying on scripture. I know teens face a lot of identity struggles. You want to “fit in.” I get that and it doesn’t change a whole lot as you get older. I would suggest that this wilderness you’re in is a time to discover and affirm your identity in Christ. I always want to encourage you to stand firm on the truth, much like Jesus did. I can guarantee that you will find strength in God's promises. There’s a song that I like to turn up when I’m feeling some kind of way. It’s lyrics say

“Loser (that’s not you) Second best (that’s not you) Coward (that’s not you) Overcomer (THAT’S YOU) Royalty (THAT’S YOU) Champion (THAT’S YOU)”

Some of us need to stop listening to satan and ourselves. We need to start talking back the truth of the scripture that comes from the God of the universe. If you’re His you are a called out, more than overcomer, royal priesthood. Adopted by the Father and a joint heir with Christ. So we can see that through dependence and discipline we have discovery. Discovery of what though?

4. Destiny in the Wilderness

Luke 4:14 KJV 1900

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

Jesus returned from the wilderness in the power of the Spirit, ready for His ministry. This transformation suggests that wilderness experiences are preparatory. I want to encourage you to emerge from your wilderness ready to fulfill God’s purpose in your life, having been refined and prepared by God. As God equipped Jesus, He also equips us to pursue His greater call, inviting us into a deep relationship and mission. When you are saved the Holy Spirit indwells you. You get all of Him, but He doesn’t get all of you. When we pray and ask for the Holy Spirit to fill us we will do amazing things in the power of the Holy Spirit.

John 2:1–10 KJV 1900

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

Maybe, just maybe, what God has in store for you is a miracle. You see, these servants that Mary gave the best advice anyone could give. Do whatever He says. Those servants had no clue what was about to happen. Everyone was freaking out about running out of wine and the host being shamed. But Jesus. But God. All these servants did was follow Him. All they did was take a few steps of obedience and they were able to take part in a miracle of God. Wow. What if your miracle is just a few steps of obedience away?

Joby Martin said in my daily devotional that I listened to yesterday… podcast...“Miracles happen when we step out in faith and do what Jesus says.”

Acts 3:1–8 KJV 1900

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

The Bible says that Peter said “ In the name of Jesus Christ rise up and walk.” but i want you to see something here. He doesn’t just get up and walk. It says “And he (Peter) took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” It was in the action that Peter took. I wonder how many miracles are just left lying on the sidewalk because we’re too afraid to move. Faith is belief in things unseen. Faith is acting like you believe that God is who he says he is… I challenge you to go into this wilderness we call the world, school, work, family. Find what God has called you to and get after it. You want to become men right? Well, start acting like men. Not in driving big trucks, hunting, fishing, eating steak every day, but in doing what God has called you to. Actually have the boldness to act like a Christ follower. I dare you to discover God’s call on your life and act on it.

How to know God’s calling:

G - Gospel - How does what God is calling you to do align with the gospel. God is Never going to ask you to do something that doesn’t line up with advancing the gospel.

O- Others - Sometimes you will hear from God through other people, such as, sermons or spiritual mentors. If you feel that God is calling you to something I would highly recommend that you bring it to someone you trust; i.e. youth pastor, small group leader, campus pastor...etc.

S - Scripture - If you want a word from God get in God’s Word. God will never tell you to do something specifically that He hasn’t already told us to do generally.

P - Prayer - Ask God and listen. Sometimes we just have to pray, guess and go. If you have followed up to this point with the G. O. and S. Pray about it and trust God with the consequences.

E - Experience - Sometimes we have to rely on our experiences in what God has already shown us we are called to. God confirms what He calls.

L - Love - Scripture tells us that everything we do is to be done in Love. Love for God and those around us.

So, how do we know what we’re called to?

Aligned with advancing the Gospel

Supported and surrounded by Others who love and hear Jesus.

Align with the Scripture.

Be bathed in Prayer.

Proved out by your Experience.

Driven by Love.