For followers of Jesus, it is a matter of when not if he will lead us out of the city and into the wilderness

Wilderness is the place of 1) loneliness, 2) vulnerability, and 3) God's presence.

We are led into the wilderness for preparation NOT punishment.

The key is to embrace the experience and learn its ways.

The ways of the wilderness:
1) Always the right amount of time. But expect it to be longer than we would like always!
2) Angels are sent to accompany us.
3) Trusting ourselves as much as God trusts us.

Embracing of the wilderness:
1) Jesus often went to deserted places to pray. He learned that there was something about the wilderness that was important to his relationship with God.