In this episode of Kaleb’s Corner, a segment of the Dad Tired podcast, Kaleb Allen hosts part three of the six-week series titled Finding Jesus in the Wilderness of Your Soul. In this episode, Kaleb dives into the theme of how Jesus’ wilderness experience offers a roadmap for navigating the trials and challenges we face today. As Christian dads, learning to lead ourselves and our families well through tough seasons is essential, and Kaleb offers insights, encouragement, and practical steps to do just that.
Episode Highlights:
Wilderness: The Crossroads of Growth or Stagnation
Kaleb kicks off by explaining how wilderness seasons can either shape us into stronger followers of Christ or leave us crippled by fear and frustration. He shares personal reflections on how wilderness moments challenge our faith and force us to choose between pressing forward or retreating in discouragement.
Time Stamp: 00:14 - 02:40
Engaging God in the Midst of Spiritual Fog
Kaleb encourages listeners not to "check out" during difficult times but to press deeper into God. He discusses the importance of wrestling with our emotions, praying, journaling, and talking to trusted friends, using these wilderness seasons as opportunities for spiritual growth and soul-searching.
Time Stamp: 02:40 - 05:02
Jesus in the Wilderness: An Example of Endurance
Kaleb unpacks Jesus’ experience of being led by the Spirit into the wilderness, showing how He modeled endurance through prayer, fasting, and resisting temptation. Jesus’ journey reminds us that even when we feel spiritually dry, God’s purpose is at work in us.
Time Stamp: 05:02 - 07:27
Three Temptations: Relevance, Spectacle, and Power
Kaleb walks listeners through the three temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness, drawing on insights from theologians like Augustine and Henry Nowen:
- Relevance: The temptation to turn stones into bread, fulfilling immediate needs but missing the deeper spiritual purpose.
- Spectacle: The temptation to throw Himself from the temple and be admired for a grand display of power.
- Power: The temptation to bow down and gain authority over all the kingdoms of the world.
Time Stamp: 07:27 - 16:57
Resisting the Temptation of Relevance
Kaleb explores how the temptation to prove our worth to others can creep in during wilderness seasons. He offers practical advice on resisting the need to be "relevant" in the eyes of the world and instead finding our value in God’s love and truth.
Time Stamp: 16:57 - 19:18
Choosing to Be Faithful Instead of Spectacular
Kaleb emphasizes that true success in the wilderness isn’t found in being extraordinary but in being faithful. He challenges listeners to reject the cultural pressure to "prove" themselves through grand gestures and instead focus on daily faithfulness to God’s calling.
Time Stamp: 19:18 - 24:02
Embracing Humility: The Temptation to Power
Kaleb addresses the temptation to seek control or power as a way to validate ourselves. He explains that true fulfillment comes not from climbing the ladder of success but from walking in humility and surrender to God’s will.
Time Stamp: 24:02 - 28:49
The Wilderness as a Place of Growth
Kaleb concludes by reframing the wilderness as a place of training, where God shapes our character and strengthens our faith. He encourages dads to embrace these challenging seasons as opportunities to become more like Jesus and lead their families well through faith and perseverance.
Time Stamp: 28:49 - 31:10
Connect with Kaleb Allen:
- Podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.
Resources Mentioned:
- The Armor of God (Ephesians 6)
- The Life of Jesus in the Wilderness (Matthew 4)
- Writings by Henry Nowen and Augustine
In this powerful solo episode, Kaleb Allen challenges dads to embrace the wilderness seasons of life as opportunities for growth, perseverance, and deepening their relationship with Christ.
