Awakening Through Wilderness
Now in Stock
Awakening Through Wilderness invites readers on a transformative journey through Lent, Easter, and Pentecost, exploring timeless truths through the voice and vision of John Wesley. This third installment in Michael Roberts’ acclaimed series builds on his previous works, Wanting More and Radically Blessed, continuing his mission to make Wesley’s foundational teachings accessible and deeply relevant for today’s church.
In this book, each chapter offers a devotional paraphrase of one of Wesley’s classic sermons, followed by a modern devotion and practical questions for reflection. Roberts masterfully connects Wesley’s original passion for renewal and reform with the liturgical rhythms of the church year, guiding readers through themes of fasting, self-denial, temptation, grace, and resurrection.
The wilderness becomes a powerful metaphor for life’s trials, doubts, and spiritual dry seasons-those times when God seems distant and faith is tested. Through Wesley’s insights and Roberts’ pastoral reflections, readers discover that the wilderness is not merely a place of hardship but also a space for awakening, transformation, and renewed purpose.
Whether read individually or used in a group study setting, Awakening Through Wilderness offers a clear, engaging path for spiritual growth. Each chapter’s discussion questions and reflection resources make it ideal for small groups, Bible studies, or personal devotion, especially during Lent.
Michael Roberts writes with warmth and clarity, drawing on his deep knowledge of Wesleyan theology and his pastoral heart for today’s church. His work reminds us that “God’s love comes to us on its way to others,” inspiring readers to grow in grace and to live out their faith with courage and compassion.
Step into the wilderness with Roberts and Wesley-and emerge awakened to the transforming power of God’s love.
What readers are saying about Awakening Through Wilderness:
Jesus’s miracles have meanings that extend far beyond the people they first impacted. Seven Miracles is a study for Lent that examines miracles in the Gospel of John through multiple contributors’ varied and diverse perspectives. This collaborative study offers the opportunity to discover meaning in the miracles for our lives today.
Bishop Tom Berlin
The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church
As I read this crisp, insightful, and well-written Lenten guide, I felt deeply grateful for three reasons. First, I am grateful that a church pastoral team came together to offer their reflections on the seven miracle stories in the Fourth Gospel. There’s something about a team approach that feels so right. Second, I am grateful that this book is available for churches everywhere, so members can go on a Lenten journey together. And third, I am grateful for how this book warmed my heart and invited me to cherish and live my faith more deeply.
Brian D. McLaren
Author of Faith After Doubt
I am grateful to the staff at Floris UMC, who worked together to craft a rich resource to support congregations on the Lenten journey. With clarity, depth, and real-life reflections, they guide us through the seven signs of Jesus in John’s Gospel and invite us to read these stories through the lens of our own lives. As a pastor, I am always grateful for resources like this one, created by faithful congregations doing the work of the kingdom and willing to share the journey with others.
Rev. Carol Cavin-Dillon
West End United Methodist Church, Nashville, Tennessee
Lent can be a season for transformation, growth, and inspiration for a congregation. However, churches need a guide to introduce this ancient season to people in a fresh way. Seven Miracles is that guide. Through studying the miracles of Jesus through the Gospel of John, people are offered hope, and churches can be reminded of the miraculous ways that Christ is still at work today.
Rev. Matt Miofsky
Author of Let Go and The Methodist Book of Daily Prayer