Encountering God in the Wilderness of Life

Summary

This morning, the focus is on the profound truth that God meets people in the wilderness—those seasons of trial, testing, and desolation that every person faces at some point in life. Throughout the Scriptures, the wilderness is not just a place of hardship, but a place where God draws near, surfaces what needs healing or transformation, and invites us to encounter Him in new ways. Whether the wilderness is a result of our own choices or circumstances beyond our control, it is often in these very places that God does His deepest work.

Isaiah 40 offers a vision of hope for people in exile, promising that God has not abandoned His people and that there is a role for us to play in preparing the way for Him. The call is to “prepare the way for the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” This is both a personal and communal invitation. For those longing for an encounter with God, the encouragement is to press in rather than pull away during hard times—leaning into prayer, Scripture, worship, and community, and looking for “breadcrumbs” of God’s grace even when the main problem remains unresolved.

For those who carry a burden for friends or family who seem far from God, the invitation is to be a “highway maker”—to meet others in their wilderness, to pray, to show up, to offer presence, encouragement, and practical help. Sometimes, this means simply listening, sharing your own story, or being a tangible sign of God’s love. Yet, there are limits to what we can do. Isaiah reminds us that while we can build highways, only God can raise valleys and lower mountains—the seemingly insurmountable barriers of doubt, pain, cynicism, or apathy that keep people from Him.

The call is to pray boldly for God to do what only He can do: to remove obstacles, to soften hearts, to bring healing and revelation. For ourselves, this means naming our own barriers and asking for help. For others, it means interceding on their behalf, trusting that God’s desire to reveal His glory and love is greater than any resistance or brokenness. Ultimately, the promise is that God’s glory will be revealed, and that He is always moving toward people, longing to leave them forever changed.

Key Takeaways

- God Meets Us in the Wilderness
The wilderness—seasons of trial, testing, and desolation—is a recurring theme in Scripture, not as a place to be avoided, but as a place where God often meets His people most powerfully. Rather than pulling away in hard times, we are invited to press in, seeking God’s presence and looking for signs of His grace, even if the main problem remains unresolved. The wilderness can be a place of transformation if we remain open and attentive to God’s work. [09:19]

- Preparing the Way for Others
We are called to be “highway makers” for those in their own deserts, meeting people in their pain, confusion, or distance from God. This involves practical acts of love—prayer, presence, encouragement, and sometimes just listening or sharing our own stories of God’s faithfulness. It’s not about fixing others, but about creating space for God to move and reveal Himself in their lives. [14:51]

- Only God Can Move Mountains and Fill Valleys
While we can prepare the way, only God can remove the deepest barriers—mountains of doubt, valleys of pain, or canyons of cynicism—that separate people from Him. Our role is to pray boldly and persistently, trusting that no obstacle is too great for God’s power and love. This humility keeps us dependent on God’s action rather than our own efforts. [20:10]

- Naming and Praying Through Barriers
A practical step for both ourselves and others is to name the specific barriers—be it apathy, anger, disappointment, or fear—that stand between us and God. We are invited to ask God to level these mountains or raise these valleys, and to be attentive to how He might invite us to take small steps of faith or openness. Sometimes, God’s answer may come through unexpected means, including dreams, conversations, or new opportunities. [25:30]

- Faithful Presence and Persistent Prayer
Being a “highway maker” requires wisdom, boundaries, and perseverance. Sometimes, we must reach out for help ourselves; other times, we are called to intercede for others who cannot or will not pray for themselves. The promise is that God is committed to revealing His glory and that our prayers and presence can be part of someone’s forever-changed story, even when we cannot see immediate results. [27:33]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Announcements: Baptism & Affirmation of Faith
[02:30] - Pittsburgh Campus Update
[03:51] - Series Recap: Forever Changed
[06:58] - The Wilderness in Scripture
[09:19] - God Meets Us in the Wilderness
[11:16] - Pressing In and Looking for Breadcrumbs
[12:55] - Application: Encountering God in Hard Seasons
[14:51] - Preparing the Way for Others
[15:56] - Wisdom in Helping Others
[18:22] - What We Can and Can’t Do: Highways and Mountains
[20:10] - Barriers Between Us and God
[21:56] - Praying for God to Move
[25:30] - Naming and Praying Through Barriers
[27:33] - Interceding for Others
[29:02] - The Glory of the Lord Revealed
[34:20] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: God Meets Us in the Wilderness
*(Based on the sermon summary and transcript above)*

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### Bible Reading

Isaiah 40:3-5 (ESV)
A voice cries:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

---

### Observation Questions

1. In Isaiah 40:3, what is the setting where the way for the Lord is to be prepared? What does this setting represent in the context of the sermon? [06:58]
2. According to the sermon, what are some examples of “wilderness” or “desert” seasons in our lives? [09:19]
3. What does Isaiah say will happen to valleys and mountains in verses 4-5? What do these images mean in the sermon? [18:22]
4. What are some practical ways the sermon describes “preparing the way” for God in our own lives or in the lives of others? [14:51]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God often meets people in the wilderness, rather than in comfortable or easy places? What might God want to accomplish in those hard seasons? [09:19]
2. The sermon talks about “pressing in” rather than “pulling away” during difficult times. What does it look like to press in, and why is that important? [11:16]
3. The passage says only God can “raise valleys” and “lower mountains.” What are some examples of barriers that only God can remove, and why can’t we do it ourselves? [20:10]
4. The sermon mentions being a “highway maker” for others. What does it mean to prepare the way for someone else to encounter God, and what are the limits of our role? [14:51]

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### Application Questions

1. Think about a time when you felt like you were in a wilderness or desert season. Did you notice any “breadcrumbs” of God’s grace during that time? If so, what were they? If not, what might you look for next time? [11:16]
2. Are you currently in a season of trial, testing, or desolation? If so, what would it look like for you to “press in” to God right now—through prayer, Scripture, worship, or community? [12:55]
3. Is there a specific barrier (like doubt, anger, disappointment, or fear) that stands between you and God right now? What would it look like to name that barrier and ask God for help? [25:30]
4. Do you know someone who seems far from God or is going through a hard time? What is one practical way you could “prepare the way” for them this week—by praying, showing up, listening, or sharing your story? [14:51]
5. The sermon suggests that sometimes we need to reach out for help ourselves. Is there an area where you need to ask someone to pray for you or support you? What’s holding you back from doing that? [14:51]
6. When you think about friends or family who are far from God, do you tend to try to “fix” them, or do you pray for God to do what only He can do? How might your prayers change after hearing this sermon? [20:10]
7. The sermon encourages us to trust that God’s desire to reveal His glory is greater than any resistance or brokenness. How does this truth affect the way you pray for yourself or others? [29:02]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to spend a few moments in silent prayer, either naming their own barriers and asking God for help, or praying for someone else—naming the barrier, asking God to level or raise it, and asking God to cross it and reveal His glory. [34:20]

Devotional

Day 1: God Meets Us in the Wilderness

The wilderness is often a place of testing, stretching, and exhaustion, but it is also where God repeatedly meets His people, offering hope and transformation even in the hardest seasons. When you find yourself in a desert—whether it’s a time of trial, anxiety, or brokenness—don’t pull away from God. Instead, press in through prayer, Scripture, and community, trusting that the Lord is present and working even when circumstances are difficult. Look for the subtle signs of His grace, the “breadcrumbs” that remind you He has not abandoned you, and be open to a fresh encounter with Him in your wilderness. [11:16]

Isaiah 40:3 (ESV)
A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

Reflection: When you are in a season of trial or exhaustion, what is one practical way you can press in to God—through prayer, Scripture, or community—rather than pulling away this week?


Day 2: Prepare the Way for Others to Encounter God

We are invited to be instruments in God’s hands, preparing the way for others—especially those in their own wilderness—to encounter the living God. This means stepping into the hard places with friends, family, or neighbors who are struggling, offering prayer, presence, encouragement, and sometimes just a listening ear. It’s not about fixing everything, but about making a “highway” for God to meet them, trusting that He can use our small acts of love and faithfulness to reveal His goodness and grace in their lives. [14:51]

Isaiah 40:3 (ESV)
A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

Reflection: Who in your life is going through a difficult season right now, and what is one specific way you can reach out to them this week to help prepare the way for God to meet them?


Day 3: Only God Can Remove the Biggest Barriers

While we can help prepare the way, there are obstacles—mountains of doubt, valleys of pain, canyons of resentment—that only God can truly remove. It is far easier to build up barriers between ourselves (or others) and God than to tear them down, but no mountain is too high and no valley too deep for the Lord. Our role is to pray boldly, asking God to do what only He can: to level the mountains, raise the valleys, and make a straight path for His presence to break through in our lives and in the lives of those we love. [21:56]

Isaiah 40:4 (ESV)
Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.

Reflection: What is one “mountain” or “valley” in your life—or in the life of someone you care about—that feels impossible to overcome? Will you name it before God today and ask Him to move?


Day 4: Pray Specifically for Barriers to Be Removed

When we or those we love are stuck behind barriers—apathy, cynicism, anger, regret, or shame—we are invited to pray specifically: to name the obstacle, ask God to level or raise it, and then to ask Him to cross it and meet us or our loved ones in that place. This three-part prayer is a way of standing in the gap, trusting that God is able to do what we cannot, and being open to how He might use us as part of His answer. [27:33]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Who is one person you are burdened for spiritually? Take time today to pray specifically for their barriers—name them, ask God to remove them, and invite Him to meet them in a new way.


Day 5: God’s Glory Will Be Revealed

God is committed to revealing His glory and goodness to all people, and He invites us to participate in this work by faithfully preparing the way, praying, and trusting Him with the results. Even when we feel small or inadequate, God uses our faithfulness—just as He used John the Baptist’s obedience in the wilderness—to pave the way for Jesus to change lives. Our hope is not in our own efforts, but in the promise that the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. [29:02]

Isaiah 40:5 (ESV)
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Reflection: What is one step of faithfulness you can take this week—no matter how small—to help reveal God’s glory to someone around you?

Quotes

When you're in the wilderness, in the desert, in the difficult seasons, press into the Lord and have confidence. Take heart. The Lord meets people in the wilderness over and over and over again. And if you are already a Jesus follower, take heart and hold on to the good news that he's still good. He's still faithful, even when your circumstances are challenging and difficult. [00:11:16] (24 seconds)  #FaithInTrials Edit Clip

When you're in the wilderness, when you're in the desert, be open to a fresh encounter with God. Press in. Open yourself up to the Lord, to the things of the Spirit, to God's people, to worship. prayer, to scripture. And then look for signs of grace. Look for signs of grace. How is God at work in the desert? And don't miss the fact that he's still working, even if he's not working on the thing that you want him to fix yet. Be patient, be open, and see what the Lord might do. [00:12:49] (25 seconds)  #OpenToGodsGrace Edit Clip

For those of us who love the Lord, know the Lord. There's an invitation from the Lord to go meet people in the desert, in their wilderness. And God says, here's what I want to do. Through you, I want to make a highway for people who are lost, who are struggling, who are hurting, to know the Lord is still good. The Lord is still with them. The Lord reigns. The Lord rules. [00:15:47] (21 seconds)  #GodRedeemsWilderness Edit Clip

Part of how God redeems wilderness and your life is you get to tell the story of what God did after you got out of the wilderness, how he brought you out of the wilderness and into places that were more wide open, more green, more spacious. That's part of how God redeems the difficult seasons that you and I go through. [00:17:01] (15 seconds)  #LiveForEternalPurpose Edit Clip

Everything about this passage is about making travel easier, making sort of commerce movement between people and God easier, not because God needs our help, but because part of how you and I live lives of meaning and purpose is we get connected to God's purposes. Listen, like you weren't made to waste your life to scrolling social media news feeds. You weren't made to waste your life like complaining on next door about whatever the thing is that you're complaining about. Like you weren't made to waste your life even just chasing after money or career or applause. Like don't waste your life chasing after all the things of the world when God says, I want you to be a part of my eternal work in people's lives. That's the invitation. [00:18:32] (36 seconds)  #GodLowersMountains Edit Clip

What we can't do, God can do, what we pray will do. What we can't do, raise up valleys and lower mountains, God can do. We pray that. And this is good news for all of us because here's the reality. You and I and our friends and neighbors, we are much better and it's much easier to build a mountain between you and God than to lower it, isn't it? Way easier to build a mountain between you and God or to dig a canyon and dig a hole and be in it, right? Way easier to build a mountain of doubts, resentment, unforgiveness, like skepticism, cynicism. That's a way easier mountain to build than it is to break down. [00:19:56] (39 seconds)  #PrayForHelpAndHealing Edit Clip

``No mountain is too big for Him. No valley is too deep for Him. Nothing is overwhelming to the Lord. The Lord doesn't look at anything and say, I've never seen a mountain that tall between me and someone else. The Lord is not overwhelmed or intimidated. It's not too much. And the Lord has the power, the Lord has the power to lower every mountain and to raise every valley to make straight the pathway for Him to cross over. [00:22:22] (22 seconds)  #GodMovesTowardYou Edit Clip

What we can't do to prepare the way, we pray God will do. Lord, would you level the mountains and would you raise the valleys? Would you help me or help people I love to not be trapped behind their cynicism or their apathy or their ambition or their fear, their anxiety, their baggage? Lord, would you lower that mountain? Would you raise that valley so that you might cross over it? [00:32:17] (21 seconds) Edit Clip