Preparing in the Wilderness

From an Africa Study Bible application note:

The wilderness in this part of this world is hot, dry, lonely, and harsh. This suggests that much of John’s early life was lived in lonely and difficult conditions. Living this way is not unusual for the people God chooses to use in a significant way. Moses spent forty years in the wilderness before his ministry began (Exodus 3:1). David spent many years in the wilderness being pursued by Saul (1 Samuel 23:14, 24; 24:1; 25:1). The apostle Paul spent three years in the desert of Arabia (Galatians 1:17). Even Jesus spent forty days in the desert (Matthew 4:1-2). These servants of God probably felt frustrated that they were not doing what they were called and gifted to do. Waiting in the wilderness is often more difficult than the stress of work or even the pain of persecution. However, God often leads his chosen ones through the “wilderness” before making them powerful leaders.

Today: 

Think of a “wilderness” experience of loneliness and struggle in your life. How did God use this difficult time to prepare you to minister to others? Did he teach you lessons or grow your character? Did your faith and trust grow as you relied on his faithful provision? Did your experiences give you compassion for other people? Thank God for each of these ways he uses the wilderness to prepare us for his purposes.