The Way God Prepared John the Baptist

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During family Bible time recently, we read a portion of Mark 1. Likely you’re familiar with John the Baptist. How did God prepare John for ministry?

The answer is pretty amazing if one takes a moment to ponder it. He prepared John in the wilderness. Really think about that. God could have sent him away to a comfortable place with many resources to study and plenty of great food to eat. No! His preparation came in the wilderness.

God writes each of our stories, and they are beautiful. Maybe you’re chafing against time in the wilderness (it’d be pretty lonely, wouldn’t it?). Please don’t. Embrace it. Rejoice in God’s amazing plan.

Matthew 16:24 is so clear on what we as Christians are called to joyfully do: “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

Serving the One Who died for me is a sweet privilege. How could I give any less?

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service.”
Romans 12:1

16 thoughts on “The Way God Prepared John the Baptist”

  1. Hi Sarah,

    May God bless your heart!
    A verse comes to mind regarding being in the wilderness, and it is Psalm 16:11

    IN YOUR PRESENCE IS FULNESS OF JOY

    I used to think of this verse as being when we get to heaven and are with Him. Of course it is, but I now also know that as we go through our own wilderness and temptation periods, which are inevitable if we want to enter into His glory, that as we get close to God we do indeed find the promised “fullness of joy” even through the most difficult and perplexing times.

    Today as I read a bit of Psalm 78 where it talked about “not forgetting His works”, I made a list of various works I could think of that He did for Israel. Deliverance. Help. Healing. Provision. Guidance. etc etc and wrote a prayer remembering specific examples of each in my own life as I reflected on God’s dealings with Israel.

    “Wait, I say, on the Lord!” “He who promised is faithful and will bring it to pass.”

    I feel led to leave Psalm 31 for any reader who may be going through a dark valley. Know for sure, that He is greater than all. Rest in His will and perfect love. His perfect love is able to cast out your fear.

    Love, Sarah

    1. Sarah,

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts. What a beautiful way to describe the “fullness of joy” phrase. I totally agree that we find that joy as we go through hard times. Jesus is always there! It is easy to forget all the Lord’s blessings. I love how you made the list of what God did for Israel! Thanks for your sweet comment.

      Hugs,
      Sarah

  3. Thank you for this, Sarah! I needed this today.

    “Embrace it. Rejoice in God’s amazing plan”. Sometimes that’s hard, and it doesn’t feel very amazing; but what peace we experience when we do just that!

    1. HMH,

      God knows exactly what we need at just the right time! I’m reminded in Psalm 84:11 “…no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Love that promise!

  4. God knew that I needed to be reminded of this truth today. I love how God uses His Word, presented by others, in such powerful and fresh ways in our lives. Thank you!

  5. I am currently miscarrying a baby. I have been sad, upset, and outright angry. In all this, yesterday I felt alone in “my wilderness”. I woke up this morning, still in pain, but chose to trust in the Lord. Even in the wilderness, He is my strength and His plan is perfect, even when I don’t quite understand.
    Thank you for lifting my healing spirit. I will take up my cross and continue to follow Him.

    1. Sweet Samantha,

      Thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry for your loss. That hurts, and it hurts deeply. I’m praying for you during this time. You are right! It takes a choice, even when it’s hard, SO hard. But the Lord will give you His peace as you trust during this painful time.

      Hugs,
      Sarah

  6. Hi,PRAISE The LORD! After I had read your message,I heard the voice of the LORD Saying,Enjoy wilderness! Then HE Showed me psalm:78:52,53.
    But HE made HIS own people goforth like sheep,and guided them in the wilderness like a flock;
    And HE led them on safety,so that they did not fear;but the sea overwhelmed their enemies,
    Yes,we hear HIS voice and guidance more than ever before while we are going through path of wilderness.

    May GOD BLESS YOUR SOUL! Thank you.

  7. “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Is 43:19

    Beautiful post, Sarah! <3

  8. I will open rivers in desolate heights,and fountain in the midst of the valleys:I will make the wilderness a pool of waters,and the dry land springs of water.

    I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia tree,the turtle and the oil tree,I will set in the desert the cypress tree and the pine and the box tree together.

    That they may see and know and consider and understand together,that the hand of the LORD has done this,and the HOLY One of Israel has created it.Isaiah:41:18,19,20

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