DT 8:2 Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.

Like in the story of Scrooge where he had to learn about his real self by the three spirits of Christmas, complete with all of his character flaws and lack of love for people, so we in the wilderness have had to learn from the Holy Spirit about the real us and how we need to either change, or face a very uncertain and limited future. The wilderness is really more about us getting to know us, than it is about our sacrifices, and it is absolutely critical if you are ever going to walk in God's power. Because even if you are not familiar with your own character flaws, Satan and his demons certainly are, and they will do their best to exploit these flaws and your ignorance of them once things really start moving forward in power.

Getting rid of our sin habits and behaviors that lack love toward people is a huge blessing, and I personally would much rather learn about them and change them in the here and now, rather than waiting until I die and learning about them in front of Jesus and all of the host of heaven who are watching my life review. So I want to encourage you on this Christmas day my friend, that even though you may have been experiencing for many years what Scrooge only did for just one night, the end result will be a changed heart and life for the better, and besides, there are many Tiny Tim's out there who are waiting for God's help and miracles through a renovated you. So cheer up today my spiritual Scrooge, because God is with you.