DON’T DIE IN YOUR WILDERNESS

DON’T DIE IN YOUR WILDERNESS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Numbers 14:26-30

Key Verse: “Surely none of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.” (Numbers 14:30, NIV)

Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 8:2-4, 1 Corinthians 10:1-12, Exodus 16:1-4, Hebrews 3:7-11, Psalm 23:4, Isaiah 43:2

INTRODUCTION:
The wilderness is not a place of permanent residence; it is a transitional season. It is the passage between bondage and promise, between deliverance and destiny. God never designed the wilderness to be a graveyard, but rather a classroom for growth, trust, and obedience.

Sadly, many people die spiritually, emotionally, and even physically in their wilderness because they allow fear, disobedience, unbelief, and murmuring to rob them of their promised inheritance. The children of Israel had seen God’s mighty acts in Egypt, yet their inability to trust Him during the wilderness journey caused an entire generation to miss the land flowing with milk and honey.

In this message, we will explore the dangers of dying in your wilderness, the purpose of this season, and how to navigate it successfully until you reach your promised land.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE PURPOSE OF THE WILDERNESS

a)  A place of divine testing (Deuteronomy 8:2)
God uses the wilderness to test the sincerity of our faith and to reveal what is truly in our hearts.

b)  A training ground for maturity (James 1:2-4)
Trials refine our character, building endurance and spiritual strength.

c)   A place of dependence on God (Exodus 16:4)
In the wilderness, God teaches us to rely solely on His provision.

d)   Preparation for greater glory (Romans 8:18)
The wilderness prepares us to handle the weight of future blessings.

Biblical Example: David — His wilderness years trained him for kingship.

2. DANGERS THAT LEAD TO DYING IN THE WILDERNESS

a)  Unbelief and fear (Numbers 13:31-33)
Seeing giants instead of God’s power leads to defeat.

b)  Murmuring and complaining (Philippians 2:14)
Complaints attract God’s displeasure and delay breakthroughs.

c)  Rebellion against divine instructions (Hebrews 3:15-19)
Ignoring God’s voice leads to spiritual death.

d)  Holding on to Egypt in your heart (Exodus 14:11-12)
Longing for the past keeps you from embracing the future.

Biblical Example: The ten spies — Their negative report discouraged an entire nation.

3. KEYS TO SURVIVING AND THRIVING IN THE WILDERNESS

a)  Keep your eyes on God’s promises (Hebrews 12:2)
Focus on His word, not the environment.

b)  Walk in obedience daily (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
Every act of obedience moves you closer to your promised land.

c)  Maintain a thankful heart (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Gratitude attracts God’s presence and favour.

d)  Surround yourself with people of faith (Proverbs 13:20)
The right company keeps you moving forward.

Biblical Example: Caleb and Joshua — Their faith and courage distinguished them from the rest.

4. SIGNS YOU ARE ABOUT TO LEAVE YOUR WILDERNESS

a)  Fresh vision and direction (Habakkuk 2:2-3)
God begins to show you the next phase clearly.

b)  Doors of opportunity begin to open (Revelation 3:8)
After testing, comes divine positioning.

c)  Inner strength and confidence increase (Philippians 4:13)
You feel empowered for the next assignment.

d)  God’s promises begin to manifest (Isaiah 55:11)
The prophetic word over your life starts taking shape.

Biblical Example: Israel crossing the Jordan (Joshua 3:14-17) — The end of one season, the start of another.

CONCLUSION:
The wilderness is a temporary phase, not your final destination. It is a bridge between where you were and where God wants you to be. Many have died there because they lost focus, but God’s will is for you to endure, learn, grow, and cross over.

Whatever your current season may look like, know this: the God who brought you out of Egypt will take you into Canaan. Trust Him, obey Him, and keep pressing forward. You will not die in your wilderness — you will live to see the fulfilment of His promises.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me strength to endure my wilderness season.
2. Father, help me to pass every divine test before me.
3. Lord, deliver me from murmuring and complaining.
4. Father, increase my faith to see beyond my present challenges.
5. Lord, disconnect me from every association that breeds unbelief.
6. Father, keep my heart focused on Your promises.
7. Lord, give me the grace to walk in obedience daily.
8. Father, let my wilderness produce testimonies.
9. Lord, usher me quickly into my promised land.
10. Father, let my life glorify You through every season.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will not die in your wilderness!
2. Every test you are facing will turn into a testimony!
3. You are coming out stronger, wiser, and better!
4. The giants in your land will fall before you!
5. God’s provision will sustain you in the dry places!
6. Your enemies will not outlive your journey!
7. The Jordan before you will part for your crossing!
8. You will reach the land flowing with milk and honey!
9. Your faith will not fail in the time of trial!
10. You will live to see every promise of God fulfilled in your life!