Wilderness School

Luke 1:80 - " And the child grew and became strong in spirit^,  and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel."

John the baptist became strong in spirit. Where did he get this strength. Ultimately he got it from the Lord. He was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. Yet, what really struck me is that he was in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.

What was he doing in the wilderness? He was spending time with the Lord and learning from the Lord. He was being schooled by the Lord. In this same way, God will often require of his servants to spend time in the wilderness in preparation for ministry. What kind of wilderness am I talking about? It could be a time of great difficulty and loneliness. It is when the gold is passed through the fire and refined and made pure. It is in times like these God works in us and molds us for service if we are willing to learn. 

Yet, the wilderness does not have to be a place of suffering. It is not the desert where their is no water and food, but it is a place with little water and food. It is always an isolated place because of the harsh environment. I would compare this to a time where you are faithfully serving the Lord behind the scenes. A place where people don't really notice you or give you much credit. A place out of the lime light, often in the the shadows of others. It is often in such a place we learn much from the Lord as we remain faithful to that which God has asked us to.