By Dr. Floyd Godfrey

There are seasons in life that feel dry, difficult, and disorienting; times when God seems distant, and progress feels slow or impossible. These wilderness experiences are not uncommon in the Christian life. In fact, they are deeply woven into the story of many biblical characters and followers of Christ today. The good news is that these barren places are not wasted; they can be seasons of growth, refinement, and preparation when we allow God to meet us there.

The concept of the "wilderness" is not new to Scripture. Moses spent 40 years in the desert before leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Elijah fled into the wilderness after a great victory on Mount Carmel, overwhelmed and desperate for God’s voice. And David, long before he ever wore a crown, spent years hiding in the wilderness, running from King Saul. As Clinton notes, “…he [David] spent many long stressful months on the run from King Saul's jealous rage and death threats.” These were not wasted months; they were formative. “For David, the wilderness was a time of preparation, and he used much of what he learned there throughout his lifetime to make him a better king and stronger follower of God.”

We often view the wilderness as punishment or failure, but in truth, it can be a place of deep spiritual training. God is not absent from our struggle. Clinton reminds us, “God is a master of using our past blunders to teach us, and of redeeming our time for maximum impact.” This redemptive nature of God means that even when life feels off-course or unproductive, He is still working.

Wilderness seasons also teach us the discipline of surrender. When we stop striving in our own strength and begin depending on God's power, we find peace and resilience. Clinton writes, “When we implement the habit of surrender, we will learn the power of His strength.” True growth comes not by escaping hardship, but by learning to rely on God in the midst of it.

Perhaps you are walking through a wilderness season right now. Your circumstances might be marked by illness, financial hardship, relationship challenges, or emotional despair. These moments can feel lonely, but they are not uncommon. “We all have wilderness periods of life where circumstances aren't as pleasant or as comfortable as we might like. When you find yourself in one, don't assume you're alone. Others have been through very similar periods.”

There is also a strong reminder of purpose in our pain. “Don’t waste the time you are given in the wilderness. God is there with you, and there’s no better opportunity to get to know Him better.” These seasons, though uncomfortable, can be the soil where faith grows deep roots. They shape us for what’s ahead. Like David, we may not fully understand how God is preparing us, but we can trust that He is.

Wherever you find yourself today, know this: “God wants to use you right where you are.” The wilderness is not a detour from your calling; it may be the very place where your calling is refined. Keep seeking God, even when it’s hard. Let Him speak in the silence, lead you through the dry places, and form in you the character that will sustain you in future seasons of blessing.

Floyd Godfrey PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed clinician for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.

References
Clinton, Z. (2024a). Even If – Developing the Faith, Mindset, Strength and Endurance of Those Who Are Built Different. American Association of Christian Counselors Publishing.