“It’s always hard to see the purpose in wilderness wanderings until after they are over.” John Bunyan

This quote from the English Writer, Puritan Preacher, and Author of “Pilgrim’s Progress” got me thinking about all the times in my life that I’ve spent “wandering in the wilderness”. Many times, it’s unfortunately the consequences of my straying from the right path…or as Ecclesiastes 6:9 calls it- man’s wandering appetites. I roam from the truth, meandering into sinful patterns & behaviors, and find myself “wandering from the path of good sense.” (Proverbs 21:16) But there are also times when my wilderness wanderings are God’s sovereign plan for my good. Just as Jesus spent 40 days wandering in the wilderness overcoming temptation, (Matthew 4:1-11) I’ve found there is much that can be learned and gained during those wilderness times…but not like afterwards, when God finally illuminates His plan & purpose for it.