I just read the story in the Bible of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist and then soon after He goes into the wilderness for a 40 day fast. John Maxwell comments that this experience reminds us that at least part of His preparation for ministry came from His wilderness experience, which I find very interesting. Jesus for me is the ultimate leader and one can only aspire to be just like Him. We all want to achieve success regardless of whatever field we find ourselves in and to be successful, one has to be in a leadership position at some point, so that they can truly influence their followers. So one should ask themselves what their ‘wilderness’ is. How are /have you prepared yourself for the success that is coming your way? Everyone wants success but are they truly ready for it? Do you have the blueprint in your mind to be successful and maintain it? If you don’t, then clearly this wilderness experience is necessary for you to prepare yourself.
‘Then Jesus was led up by the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil’ (Mt 4vs1). First thing to note is that He was led. Even the Son of God needed the assistance of the Holy Spirit to carry out His mandate, what more us, mere mortals? As a leader, I don’t know about you, but I believe in God and firmly believe that whatever level of success that I reach as a leader, it is meant for the glory of God. So the first port of call of my wilderness is to invoke the Holy Spirit to be a guide in all my preparation. And in all honesty, it makes things a whole lot easier. It goes on to say that Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. TJOOO!! That’s sacrifice right there. In your wilderness, what sacrifices are you going to make to ensure that your dream becomes a reality? What associations are you going to give up and take up? What old habits are being evicted?
So the devil, cunning as he is had some interesting offers for Jesus and attempted to lure Him into worshipping him. Jesus was tempted to be self sufficient by being offered bread. When you are given an offer that seems so good for your sustenance, but morally wrong, do you take it up? Jesus was offered to become a stunt man and be popular and refused to abuse his powers. Are you using your gifts for the right reasons or for personal glory? Jesus was tempted to take a short cut and be powerful. Are we willing to go the long way round when there is always a seemingly short cut? These are things that you need to consider when you are still in your wilderness so that you get your priorities straight. I like to also look at the wilderness as those times in your life when you recollect on what you have achieved and now want to take things up a notch and the key elements here are prayer, sacrifice and mastering your trade. Take some time and be in the wilderness so that you are truly prepared for success when it comes.
