Why wondering in the wilderness?

As a Pastor, I find it interesting that the Bible has a lot to say about "the wilderness."  It sounds like a rough place but many of the heroes of the Bible spent time there.  God does a lot of work in that tough place. In fact a foundational event takes place, starting in Exodus, as God leads his people out of bondage and into the promised land.  But along the way, they spend years in the wilderness.  Our situation as followers of Jesus might be similar.  No longer in bondage to sin but not yet in the promised land, we may be living in the wilderness.  I wonder how God will do His work here.  Hope we can talk about it!