Forty Years in the Wilderness

Have you ever felt as if God has you in an extended wilderness experience? You feel stuck in the last place you ever wanted to be. A time of testing that might even feel like God has abandoned you or that you’re under some sort of judgment. So there you are, with no apparent end in sight.

Then a well-meaning Christian friend reminds you that you are not forgotten. Even Moses experienced 40 years of living in the wilderness tending sheep. A season sandwiched between a life of luxury as a worldly prince and a life serving the Creator-God of the universe by leading His people.

Your first thought is, But I’m no Moses. Moses needed to learn how to shepherd sheep before he could shepherd God’s people. But I’m no Moses, so what’s the point of this time of extended suffering in my life?

Or maybe that same well-meaning Christian friend tells you you’re not alone in this extended time of suffering. Remember the ancient Israelites? They had sent 12 spies to scout out the promised land. Ten returned doubting, and in turn, discouraged the Israelites from believing God’s Word. The people of the land are too big. Too powerful. We don’t stand a chance. Only two of the spies, Caleb and Joshua, trusted God enough to encourage His people to claim what God had promised to them. We know what happened. The Israelites cowered before their enemies before the battles were even engaged. The result was that they spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness as judgment for their unbelief.

And you think, But I do believe God has the power to accomplish His plans for my life. And I believe Jesus is my Savior. So what’s the point of this suffering?

A different perspective

My friend, Barb, shared a draft message she intended to deliver for a speaking engagement. She spoke of God’s refining work during the desert times of life. Then she illustrated her point by describing how God refined a biblical hero during forty years in the wilderness. Moses, right?

No, not Moses.

Joshua.

In all the times I’ve heard messages about 40 years of God’s refinement in the wilderness, every message was illustrated with the account of Moses.

But what about Joshua?

Joshua was a faithful assistant to Moses, carrying out Moses’ orders. He led the people in battle, ultimately leading them into the promised land to possess it.

Not his fault

Still, Joshua faced the same judgment as the unbelieving multitude. A trip that should have taken 11 days to travel from Egypt to the promised land instead took 40 years. And it wasn’t his fault! He and Caleb tried to persuade the people to step out in faith, but they wouldn’t listen.

What about us today? Are you in a season of trial or suffering? Maybe it hasn’t lasted 40 years, but it feels that long. Maybe it feels even longer because you’re there due to someone else’s choices. Or because someone you love is suffering greatly and you’re living the experience with them.

Like Joshua, you may be thinking, This isn’t fair. We love the Lord and we’ve been faithful. Yet others who don’t even claim to love the Lord seem to be living charmed lives. Why not me? Why not us?

I wonder if that’s how Joshua felt. Forty years of difficulties in the desert, when he could have been dining on milk and honey and the fruit of the lush land (Nb. 13:25, 27). Still, he was willing to live for and serve the Lord regardless of his situation. Regardless of the less-than-lovable people he was eventually tasked with leading into the promised land 40 years later than it should have been.

It’s not easy to live for the Lord when life is tough. When our natural tendency is to dwell on what could have been or what should have been. But when I allow myself to fall into that trap, what I’m really thinking and maybe even saying is, God, You made a mistake. It’s not supposed to be this way. My plan would have been better than Yours. Ouch!

We can say Christ rescued us from sin and death and gave us the gift of new life. But let’s not stop there. Let’s live like we believe what we say. Easy? No. Worth it? Yes!

And when strong winds of discouragement threaten to knock us down, remember Joshua!