๐๏ธ WILDERNESS BEFORE THE BLESSING: When God Prepares for Greater Things Could your present season of suffering, isolation, disappointment, or waiting actually be preparation for something greater? Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment before his exaltation. Moses spent forty years in the wilderness before delivering Israel. David was anointed king, yet suffered years of persecution before receiving the throne. Throughout Scripture, we discover a remarkable pattern: God sometimes leads His chosen servants through the wilderness BEFORE bringing them into the work, blessings, and responsibilities He has prepared for them! Not every wilderness is punishment for sin. Sometimes God permits trials to humble us, test our faith, purge away hindrances, develop patience, teach dependence upon Him, or prepare us for greater fruitfulness and service. The fruitful branch is pruned so that it may bring forth MORE fruit! (John 15:2). And one of the greatest dangers during these wilderness seasons is becoming impatient and attempting to obtain God's blessings through our own fleshly methods, rather than waiting for His appointed time. Are you in a wilderness season? Is God correcting you, protecting you, testing you - or preparing you? In this Bible study, we examine twelve biblical purposes for wilderness seasons and the encouraging lessons found in the lives of Joseph, Moses, David, Job, John the Baptist, and others. The wilderness is not always a sign that God has abandoned you. Sometimes it is the very place where He is preparing you!