The Book of Numbers teaches us that there may be times when God allows us to go through prolonged wilderness experiences, not only in order to get our attention, but also to change our thinking or behavior. It isn’t enough merely to engage in self examination. We can see a problem, and even acknowledge that it is there. But unless we change our response to God, surrendering to Him in obedience, we will never benefit fully from the trials we face.

If, on the other hand, we are willing to allow God to use our wilderness experiences to surface the inner rubbish of our lives, and if we are willing to change what needs to be changed, we will emerge from the desert much closer to our Heavenly Father, more mature as His child, and with far greater potential to reflect the love of God to the world around us.

~ Charles Stanley Bible