The wilderness

God gave the Israelites land to live on - but it was not the most accommodating land.  The Israelites lived under the constant threat of the dangers of the "wilderness" desert.  From Moses to Jesus, biblical figures faced spiritual testing in the wilderness.  We can live in the wilderness vicariously by reading the Bible.  This can prepare us for our own wilderness experiences, so that these experiences grow - and do not damage - our faith.