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What is a wilderness? The Little Oxford dictionary¹ defines it as n. desert, uncultivated and uninhabited land or tract; confused assemblage, out of office, in exile or disgrace, out of favour. Whereas the Webster 1828 dictionary² defines wilderness as a n [from wild], 1. A desert; a tract of land or region uncultivated and uninhabited by human beings, whether a forest or wide barren plain. In the United States, it is applied only to a forest. In Scripture, it is applied frequently to the deserts of Arabia. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness forty years. 2. The ocean. 3. A state of disorder [Not in use]. 4. A wood in a garden resembling a forest.

Wilderness may mean different things to different people based on their unique experience. The present global pandemic caused by COVID-19 is a wilderness experience which caused isolation, uncertainty, undue hardship, anxiousness, anger, relationship challenges, even depression for many.

Interesting that Webster should mention Scripture; particularly, the Israelites. Indeed, we have vivid childhood stories of bible characters that we grew up with—Moses, David, John the Baptist, Jesus—to name a few.

Moses³ had the most alluring story in the wilderness. He was raised by Pharaoh’s daughter but had killed an Egyptian; thus, fled to Midian. For 40 years his character was purged. It was during this period that he was called by God in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. As a child, David⁴ claimed he killed the lion and the bear with his bare hands while tending the sheep. In effect, he gained his confidence in warfare.

Definitely, the wilderness is a place of testing and preparation. Either we are embittered by it or strengthened through the lessons it carries. Moses was pruned and became very meek, more than all the people in the face of the earth.⁵  Whereas, the Israelites⁶ grumbled through their 40 years journey in the desert and perished. Except for Joshua and Caleb, only the next generation entered the Promised land. David’s experience as a shepherd boy prepared David to be a king after God’s own heart.⁷

The word of God came to John the Baptist⁸  in the wilderness and he went out proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin.  After being honored by the Father, Jesus was led up by the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.⁹ Unlike Israel, Jesus triumphed over the temptation. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.¹⁰

Let us not miss out on the lessons that our wilderness experience teaches. What has to be shaken shall be shaken.¹¹ Let us come out of it transformed, grateful for the new perspective, new priorities, and new pleasures.