MAIN IDEA || Since Jesus has successfully gone through the wilderness on our behalf, He alone is able to guide us through the wilderness to our home with him. Wilderness = place of destitution, powerlessness, human misery = “all is lost” +"nowhere to turn" The Father uses the “wilderness” to the disordered loves in the heart of his dear children. Exodus 20:2–3 (NLT) 2 “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. 3 “You must not have any other god but me. God uses the wilderness to: turn us — “You don’t discover God is all you need until He shows you He’s all you have.” test us — “Will/who/what do you believe in or trust in for your security, satisfaction & joy?” train us — “You will learn to depend on me.” Our care strategy for overcoming is helping someone to: 1. See & savor Jesus’s . 1 Peter 2:23 (NLT) 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 2. out to the Lord. Psalm 130:1–2 (NLT) 1 From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help. 2 Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION 1. Can you describe a phase in your life where it seems God used a personal “wilderness” to: a. turn you? — “You don’t discover God is all you need until He shows you He’s all you have.” b. test you? — “Will/who/what do you believe in or trust in for your security, satisfaction & joy?” c. train you? — “You will learn to depend on me.” 2. When Jesus unjustly suffered condemnation & crucifixion he demonstrated confidence in the fair judgement of HIs Father. Why do you think it’s so hard for us to overcome our suffering by sharing in his confidence? 1 Peter 2:23 (NLT) 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 3. When you’re caring for someone who’s suffering, what’s the value in helping them learn to cry out to the Lord?