Desert Season

Desert Season

A desert season can be defined as: A time of intense pressure, situations beyond control, accompanied by physical, mental, & spiritual exhaustion. A time where God seems absent from our lives. It is most often unexpected.

Desert seasons bring up some serious questions:

• God, what are you doing?
• God, where are you?
• God, are you listening?

1) A desert survivor is well nourished from the beginning

Text: Matthew 3 & 4; James 1

At the end Matt. 3 Jesus is baptized and has an awesome encounter with God.

Vs. 17 says, “And a voice from heaven said, “ This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased,” (Matt 3:17 NIV).

This is God the Father speaking into the life of Jesus and affirming Him. Jesus, your not just anyone, you’re my Son and I’m incredibly proud of you. It’s an intimate time in the presence of God.

If you look ahead to chapter 4 Jesus led by the Spirit into the desert and faces the devil. Jesus had fasted 40 days and nights, something I don’t recommend, and then it was that the devil came to Him. He was incredible weak and in a desert.

Jesus was ready to go head to head with devil not just because He is the Son of God, but also because He just had an intimate moment with His Father, in His presence.

If we are walking into a desert season we need to be refreshed before entering. And this requires continual time in His presence.

2) A desert survivor sticks to his training

In Matt. 4 we find that Jesus must be weak from fasting and the devil is trying to trick Him. The devil comes to us when we are weak. A lot times in can be late at night, or on a day where we’ve just had all we can take. At times it can last months or even years. And like Jesus does in chapter 4 we have to stick to what we have learned from God. What God has revealed in His Word.

Jesus’ defense was knowledge of the Word – His Training

His Word is here for our protection, from the devil, the world, and ourselves. And to survive a desert experience you have to cling to God’s promises. It takes a step of faith. There have been times where I’ve had to hold on to a Scripture for a while and keep saying it, praying it, just to get by.

It’s a matter of going without knowing. We have to believe God and say God, I don’t know how this will work out but I know you’re in control.

3) A desert survivor returns stronger and prepared for the next season

In Matt. 4:11, the devil leaves Jesus and angels attend him. Jesus has survived his trials in the desert and is refreshed by God. In the following verses of chapter 4 we see that Jesus begins His ministry:

Jesus is recruiting, preaching, healing, and setting people free from demons. He’s moving more into His destiny. He’s moving into greater things God has for Him following a desert season and intimacy with God.

The same is true for us. Look at James Chapter 1:

 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything,” (James 1:2-3, NIV).

The trials you face build character, they get you ready for what God is going to do.

Diamonds were originally carbon until they endured intense heat and pressure. God is doing the same with us.

If you are in a desert season, be assured that God is interested in doing a work in you. Rest in His grace and He will see you through!