The Wilderness - Pt 2

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4 ESV).

Yesterday we began a brief look at some of the perplexing truth of the “wilderness.” Today we will examine one of the theories proffered for the reason we are led into these experiences. Some have called it “The Boot Camp Theory.” Perhaps you remember the scene in the movie “Forest Gump” when he is in boot camp and the drill sergeant is in his face yelling about something with his only reply being, “Yes, Drill Sergeant!” Somehow he survives, actually thriving in the experience. There are those who adhere to this theory of explanation suggestion that, like Jesus going into the wilderness, we must endure the most extreme regimen imaginable to prepare us for our mission. The mandates and methods of the Kingdom of God need to be so deeply ingrained that we can stay true to them under any degree of pressure. Truthfully, though it may feel like boot camp in our wilderness, I find this theory a bit shallow, perhaps even frightening. This being said, we must look at the truth in our reading today. James, Jesus’ brother, offers a similar interpretation of wilderness experiences, saying that “the testing of our faith produces perseverance” (James 1:3). Perseverance is not giving up. It is persistence and tenacity, the effort required to do something and keep doing it till the end, even if it's hard. Perseverance originally comes from the Latin perseverantia and means to abide by something strictly. At least some part of this ought to be a part of our understanding as we face the stark, desolate parts of our journey. James even indicates that we should “count it all joy” when we are in these experiences. I have found that especially difficult in my own journey. Sitting with a physician and hearing words like “cancer,” or “cardio vascular disease” are not what I think of when I think of joyful moments. It is often easy to merely resign myself to the randomness of life, as if God is somehow absent and has left life to run its own course. Nothing could be further from the truth. My life is not running on autopilot. God has been, and still is directing my path for His good purpose that will produce good in my life. In fact, with every trial, I do become stronger, able to persevere, perhaps just one more step. But, it is one more step toward my ultimate eternal home. That will not be a wilderness! That truth is the source of my encouragement when the tumbleweeds blow across the path through my wilderness!