Into the Wilderness

By Ann Mann

The wilderness is not just a location on a map; it is a spiritual reality we all face. It comes in many forms: grief, illness, doubt, or hardship. Sometimes, it arrives unexpectedly, shaking the foundation of our faith. Perhaps you find yourself in such a season now, wrestling with uncertainty, burdened by loss, or searching for direction.

In the Gospel of Mark, we find Jesus at the very beginning of His ministry. His baptism is a moment of divine affirmation. Heaven is torn open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and a voice proclaims, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you, I am well pleased.” It is a declaration of identity, a moment of certainty and purpose.

And yet, what happens next?

Mark tells us that “the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.” Mark does not give us details of the temptations Jesus faced. Instead, he offers the stark reality, Jesus was tested, and He remained faithful.

Just as Jesus’ trials were not meaningless, neither are ours. They refine us, strengthen us, and prepare us for what lies ahead.

Bonnie Minton shared a story with me recently, of a woman who had lost her child. As Gigi Amazonia talked about that loss and her grief, she said wherever the grief took her, she went with it.

She described having her daughter as the greatest gift of her life and losing her as the second greatest gift. That is not what we would expect her to say.

But Gigi goes on to explain that having lost her daughter, she realizes that now she is stronger, calmer, she has more presence, she has more ability to hold people, she has more compassion, she is a much better human.

She says losing her daughter is a gift that she carries with her every day.

I can relate to what she says. The grief of losing my husband is profound. But in that loss, I agree that I am stronger, calmer, more present, better able to hold people and more compassionate.

The wilderness may change us, but it does not have to destroy us. Instead, it can prepare us for the journey ahead. I invite you to acknowledge these wilderness places, not to avoid them but to trust that even in the barrenness, God is with us.

So where do we feel tested in our faith today? Is it in our patience as we wait for God’s answer? Is it in our ability to forgive? Is it in our willingness to trust that God is still working, even when we cannot see the outcome?

Mark tells us that after Jesus emerged from the wilderness, He proclaimed, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” (Mark 1:15) His faithfulness in the wilderness led to His faithfulness in ministry.

As we journey through this Lenten season, let us embrace our own wilderness experiences, not with fear, but with the assurance that God is with us. Let us trust in His promises, remain steadfast in our faith, and emerge from this season renewed, ready to proclaim the good news.

May we, like Jesus, be tested and found faithful.

(Ann Mann is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, now serving as pastor to Barnesville First United Methodist Church. You can email her at annmann@comcast.net. Her new book, “Finding Hope in the Storm,” is available on Amazon.)