What did you go out in the desert to see?

A reed swayed by the wind? (Luke 7:24 NIV) John the Baptist as a child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly in Israel. (Luke 1:80 NIV) Solitude with God in the desert was his school. He gained the lessons and experiences needed to verify his beliefs, listened to God’s voice, and became forthright to resist an unbelieving world and shun popularity for the cause of the kingdom. No, you didn’t go out to see a flimsy reed tossed and turned with every wind but a prophet who would prepare the way for the Lord who was coming to baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. What do you need to do to firm up your reed and prepare the way?