* What does it mean to view the wilderness as a period of preparation?

Okay, here’s the expanded question: Many spiritual traditions, particularly within Abrahamic faiths, use the concept of "the wilderness" as a metaphor for a time of hardship, testing, and isolation. However, this period isn’t always seen negatively. Some interpretations suggest the wilderness is a necessary period, a time of crucial preparation for a future role, task, or state of being. Considering this, what does it mean, practically and spiritually, to view the wilderness experience not just as suffering to be endured, but as an intentional or divinely ordained period of preparation? How might that shift in perspective change one’s attitude and actions during that time? What specific qualities or skills are often forged in the "wilderness" that are deemed essential for future success or fulfillment? And what are some examples, both from scripture and real-life experiences, that illustrate the wilderness as a period specifically designed for preparation rather than simply punishment or abandonment?

Answer

Viewing the wilderness as a period of preparation means understanding challenging or difficult times as a formative stage, a necessary process for growth, learning, and ultimately, future success or fulfillment. It implies a belief that these periods, often characterized by hardship, uncertainty, or isolation, are not simply obstacles to be endured, but rather opportunities for significant development.

Here are some key aspects of this perspective:

• Testing and Refinement: The wilderness experience tests one’s resilience, resourcefulness, and character. The trials encountered reveal weaknesses and vulnerabilities that need to be addressed, leading to personal refinement and increased strength. It’s a crucible where one’s mettle is proven.

• Learning Essential Skills: Survival in the wilderness demands the acquisition of new skills and the honing of existing ones. This might involve learning practical skills like problem-solving, adaptability, critical thinking, or interpersonal skills like communication, leadership, and collaboration. These newly acquired or refined skills prove valuable later.

• Clarification of Values and Purpose: When stripped of external distractions and comforts, one is forced to confront their core values and reassess their priorities. The wilderness can strip away superficial desires and expose a deeper sense of purpose, helping to clarify what truly matters.

• Spiritual or Personal Growth: The isolation and challenges of the wilderness can foster introspection and self-discovery. This can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself, one’s relationship to the world, and one’s place within it. It allows for spiritual exploration, fostering resilience, humility, compassion, and faith.

• Building Resilience and Perseverance: Overcoming obstacles in the wilderness builds resilience and the ability to persevere through adversity. The experience instills a sense of confidence and the belief that one can overcome future challenges, regardless of their difficulty.

• Appreciation for Simplicity and Essential Needs: The wilderness forces a focus on basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and safety. This can lead to a greater appreciation for the simple things in life and a detachment from material possessions or superficial concerns.

• Developing Dependence on a Higher Power: In moments of difficulty or vulnerability, individuals turn to a higher power for guidance and support. This can strengthen spiritual faith and foster a sense of peace during times of uncertainty.

• Preparation for Leadership: The skills and character traits developed in the wilderness, such as resilience, resourcefulness, clarity of purpose, and empathy, are essential for effective leadership. The wilderness experience can, therefore, prepare one to lead others through difficult times.

• Gaining a New Perspective: A wilderness experience removes one from their everyday routine and allows them to view their life from a fresh perspective. This can lead to new insights and a renewed sense of direction.

The "wilderness" in this context can refer to various types of challenging periods:

• Literal wilderness: Experiencing nature and navigating remote areas.

• Professional setbacks: Facing job loss, career stagnation, or challenging projects.

• Personal crises: Dealing with illness, loss, or relationship difficulties.

• Spiritual doubts: Questioning one’s beliefs or struggling with faith.

• Periods of Isolation: Loneliness, feeling misunderstood, or being alienated from others.

In essence, viewing the wilderness as a period of preparation involves reframing adversity as a valuable learning experience that equips individuals with the necessary tools and perspectives to succeed in the future. It transforms hardship into opportunity, forging resilience, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

Pray This Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I come before you today, humbled and often lost, feeling like I’m wandering in a wilderness of my own making. The path is unclear, the resources seem scarce, and the future feels uncertain.

Help me to understand this wilderness. Instead of seeing it as a punishment, a consequence of my failings, or simply a barren wasteland to be endured, help me to see it as a period of preparation. Teach me to recognize that within this hardship lies the opportunity for growth, refinement, and deepening faith.

What does it mean to view this wilderness as a period of preparation? Show me, Lord, how to use this time:

• To strip away the unnecessary: Help me shed the burdens of pride, ego, and attachment to things that ultimately don’t matter. Let this difficult journey reveal what is truly essential in my life: faith, hope, love, and connection with you.
• To strengthen my character: Mold me, shape me, and temper me in this fiery trial. Help me develop patience, resilience, and perseverance. May I learn to trust in your provision even when my own strength fails.
• To discern your voice: May the quiet of the wilderness allow me to hear your voice more clearly, guiding me on the right path, directing my steps, and revealing your will for my life.
• To discover my own strength: Show me the reserves of courage and resilience within myself that I never knew I possessed. May I emerge from this experience stronger, wiser, and more capable than before.
• To cultivate deeper empathy: May this experience of hardship open my heart to the suffering of others, that I may be a more compassionate and understanding servant in your world.

Lord, grant me the grace to embrace this wilderness. Help me to trust that you are with me, even when I can’t see you. Lead me through this period of preparation with courage and hope, knowing that you are preparing me for something greater, something more meaningful, on the other side.

In your holy name, I pray. Amen.