And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. Deuteronomy 8:2
The wilderness was a testing place for Israel to know what was in their hearts. And the same is true for Christians, every wilderness experience is a test to reveal what is in their hearts. Those ruled by the flesh will murmur and complain, but those ruled by the Holy Spirit will remember past miracles of God, trust, and worship Him.
Notice that the Lord did not just send them into the wilderness, but He led them all the way in the wilderness. He was with them in all their afflictions, but Israel dishonored Him by their murmurings. We are to remember that the Lord is always with us because He has promised not to leave us nor forsake us. Therefore, when the trials come, we should not forget that the Lord is with us.
Toni
