Faithful Father (Day 12)

Wilderness Weight Training

And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Luke 1:80

Often times when someone hears of the wilderness, they automatically assume the worst is at hand. That is fair considering when Israel was in the wilderness, they were not walking in the promise or prosperity that had been spoken over them yet. What if the wilderness, however, was a training ground for God to strengthen His chosen? What is the wilderness is not a form of disciplinary action of the Father, but a means of the Father seeing His children walk disciplined.

When I say that, I have the imagery of a professional athlete working out, eating the right foods, and drinking the right fluids. This athlete is walking disciplined. They have a formula that works for them and they stick with it. It is advantageous for them to do so. I see this happening with John in the close of Luke Chapter one.

As John was growing, He was allowing His strength in spirit to be consecrated to the Father. He was being drawn close to the Lord, for the purpose the Lord had for him. John allowed this time in the wilderness to be made much of, and did not waste it. We can safely assume that, because it  states that John waited in the wilderness until it was his time to appear to Israel. John was being strengthened for his appearance. He was not being punished because of his purpose.

One of my favorite things to watch in baseball is the bullpen. It is such a unique atmosphere. Relief pitchers might be some of the weirdest folks you will ever meet. Despite their weird demeanor, they are extremely disciplined in warming up and preparing for their time on the mound, when called upon. It is amazing to watch these guys warm up and come into the game at full speed. They don’t miss a beat.

This is the imagery I see with John, and all who walk in the wilderness. They are not lost, and they have not lost purpose. The purpose is significant, it has simply yet to manifest and reveal its opportune time. The relief pitcher can only come in once the manager signals for him. He must wait until the sign is given, then the mound is all his. The Christian must do the same. We must wait on the Lord, and make the most of our preparation for the work He has for us.

Be encouraged today. God may have you in the wilderness, but it is for training purposes. Your spirit needs to be strengthened for the task and time ahead. The Father is faithful and will not allow your time in the wilderness to go to waste. He is waiting for the right moment to thrust you into His plan, for His glory. Make the most of this time, for it is what prepares you for the big stage. Our Father is faithful and good, and He will only place you in position when He knows you are ready. Hit the weights, do not lost heart. He is faithful to fulfill that which He trains you for.