Article April 8, 1939 Issue

The Wilderness Experience

EVA B. SNOWMAN

Not infrequently are students of Christian Science confronted with what is called a wilderness experience. And although it may be regarded as a testing time, even as an opportunity for spiritual progress, the young student is sometimes bewildered by this unexpected interference with his harmony.

In the fourth chapter of Matthew we read of a very enlightening episode which took place during the first part of Jesus' ministry. This occurrence provided an infallible proof of his fitness for the great work before him. He was confronted with the conflict between the flesh and Spirit in the temptation in the wilderness. And when did it come? At the time of his spiritual baptism, when he was about to enter upon his great mission of unselfish service! The baptism of the Holy Spirit has descended upon him, followed by the divine unction, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Jesus had reached the first hilltop in spiritual ascension. His purity of thought, tender compassion, and other qualities of Spirit had placed him beyond the boundaries of any mortal suggestion. Yet here, right here, these confronted him after Truth had been clearly made manifest in his consciousness.

Was Jesus baffled by this presentation? Did self-condemnation employ his thoughts, arguing that had he been more spiritually-minded this would not have happened, or that God was failing him after giving him such assurance of His love and protection? No! Jesus accepted none of these suggestions from mortal mind. He knew, as a prophet had foretold, that waters would break out in the wilderness, and that the desert would rejoice and blossom as the rose. He saw this testing time as an opportunity to prove the truth which he was to affirm before men. And when he had overcome the temptations, angels ministered unto him.

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