What are the spaces we enter into when we are tempted? During the Lenten season, we remember that Jesus entered into the desert to be tempted.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

(Matthew 11:28-29)

If there is one state of mind I struggle with most it’s loneliness. In my experience, loneliness is felt even when you are around others. It’s this deep otherness that attacks your joy. It tells you over and over that, “You are the only one.”

Most leaders would be able to connect with Moses’ anger in Numbers 20. Right in the midst of leading the Israelites to the promised land, the people begin to threaten to go back to Egyptian slavery because of lack of water.

In Exodus 16, the people are grumbling against Moses because there isn’t any food in the wilderness. The Lord appeared to Moses and began providing manna, a corn-flake like substance to the people every morning.

During our Lenten journey, we have looked at the wilderness experiences of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. Each of their experiences revealed something in them as they persevered a way though.