The Potter's House Podcast

Walk It Out Wednesday: The Rumble in the Jungle - Pastor Don Johnson
Date: November 21, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Walk It Out Wednesday is a stirring, strategy-filled sermon from Pastor Don Johnson entitled "The Rumble in the Jungle." Using the story of Jesus' wilderness experience in Matthew 4, Pastor Donnie explores how believers face spiritual battles, “wilderness seasons,” and how God prepares, tests, and ultimately elevates His children through these trials. The message is both honest and practical, offering concrete steps for navigating hard seasons and holding onto one’s God-given identity.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Your Identity Comes First

• God’s Intention: Before Jesus entered the wilderness, God publicly declared: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I'm well pleased" (02:26-03:18). Pastor Donnie underscores that God is always intentional in reminding us who we are—even before we face our greatest tests.
  • Quote: “God is intentional about telling you who you are… You need to know who you are before you decide what you’re going to go through.” (03:10)
• The Name God Gives: Our true identity comes from God, not from people or past circumstances (03:41-04:43).
  • Memorable moment: “Who you were can talk you out of who you are becoming.” (04:44)

2. The Importance of Season Identification

• Recognize Your Season: It's vital to discern when you are in a "wilderness season"—a spiritually dry, challenging period (07:33-09:23).
  • Quote: "You have to identify the season." (07:36)
• Position vs. Condition: You may be in a hard place, but your internal condition doesn't have to match your external hardship.
  • Quote: “The position is the wilderness. Your condition shouldn't be the wilderness.” (08:08)

3. Purpose of the Wilderness: Testing, Not Destruction

• It’s a Test, Not a Sentence: The wilderness is meant for testing and growth, not punishment or stagnation (35:25-36:14).
  • Quote: “This season is meant to be a test, not for him to be terminated.” (36:04)
• The Devil’s Limited Power: Only a few times in scripture does the enemy actually speak; we often grant him more power than he has (38:10-39:08).
  • Quote: “We give the devil more power than he should have.” (38:07)

4. Accountability and Mindset

• Personal Responsibility: Sometimes, repeated problems are the result of our own choices, not attacks from the devil (22:11-22:59).
  • Quote: “There are some things — it ain’t the devil, it’s you. You’re blaming the devil when it really was a decision.” (22:11)
• Mindset Shift: Don’t let trauma and disappointment dictate your perception of God’s process; gratitude is a decision (84:41-85:25).

5. Changing Your Community and Conversation

• Misery Loves Company: Be careful not to create a community around your complaints. Break out of spiritual complacency and negative circles (20:28-21:33).
  • Quote: “Why sit we here till we die? … Are you around people that's spiritually killing you?” (20:28, 21:36)
• Guard Your Ears: Faith and doubt are both sown through what you hear. Protect your mind by managing your conversations (39:36-40:05).

6. Standing Firm in Your Identity

• Don’t Perform, Receive: Your spiritual identity is received by God’s declaration, not earned through performance (64:03-65:27).
  • Quote: “Your identity is received, not performed.” (64:03)
• Comparison Kills Joy: Avoid comparing your journey to others—blessing comes with unknown battles (48:09-49:18).
  • Quote: "Don’t ask anybody for what they have until you ask them, Can you show me the receipts?” (48:37)

7. Face the True Tempter

• Self-Reflection: Sometimes, the biggest obstacle is ourselves—not external enemies (45:43-46:13).
  • Quote: “The tempter you might be trying to face is in the mirror.” (45:25)
• Deal with Trauma: Honest self-assessment includes managing emotional wounds and knowing your limits (51:45-52:29).

8. Scripture as Your Weapon

• Right Word, Right Season: Victory in battle comes from knowing and speaking the right scripture, not reacting out of emotion (52:13-53:44).
  • Quote: “You’re fighting a devil with emotions. And the only way you’re going to defeat him is with scripture.” (52:13)

9. Refuse Shortcuts and Embrace Process

• No Shortcuts to Glory: The enemy will always offer quick fixes, but lasting success comes through endurance (67:23-68:40).
  • Quote: “Shortcut isn’t always the best way… The kingdom is going to come after the cross.” (67:23)

10. Authority and the Power to Evict

• Speaking with Authority: You can command the devil to leave—your authority is in knowing your God-given identity (72:07-73:45).
  • Quote: “You can no longer live rent free in my house. I am giving your eviction notice.” (73:40)

11. Wilderness as Preparation and Promotion

• The Wilderness is Temporary: The hard season is not for settling but for transformation (19:05-19:29, 44:36-44:46).
  • Quote: “The wilderness is not meant for you to live in. It is a season.” (19:29)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “God is intentional about telling you who you are.” (03:10)
• “Who you were can talk you out of who you are becoming.” (04:44)
• “If it’s going good, it could be the devil.” (11:02)
• “God will create a storm to see if you will be happy in the storm.” (09:52)
• “The greatest enemy of progress is comfortability.” (44:32)
• “Sometimes the tempter you face is the one in the mirror.” (45:25)
• “Your identity is received, not performed.” (64:03)
• “Don’t let your condition fool around with your position.” (75:41)
• “Even if the storm don’t stop, don’t be afraid because I’m here.” (76:10)
• “You have no idea what someone sitting next to you is going through; you just see the glory, not the story.” (92:23)

Major Principles (with Timestamps)

| Principle | Description | Timestamp | |-----------|-------------|-----------| | 1. Identify the Season | Know if you’re in a “wilderness” period. Don’t let your condition dictate your faith. | 07:36-09:23 | | 2. The Wilderness is a Season, Not a Settlement | Don’t build a home in hardship—move through it, don’t get stuck. | 19:05-19:29 | | 3. Understand the Purpose | The main point of the wilderness is to be tested, not destroyed. | 35:25-36:14 | | 4. Face the Tempter | Sometimes what you’re fighting is within; confront your own mindsets and trauma. | 45:25-47:10 | | 5. Stand Firm in Your Identity | Resist the urge to perform for approval; stand on God’s declaration over you. | 58:39-60:33 | | 6. Receive, Don’t Perform | Accept your calling and anointing—you don’t work for it, you walk in it. | 64:03-66:22 | | 7. Refuse the Shortcut | Don’t compromise for quick relief or worldly opportunities. | 67:10-68:26 | | 8. Use Your Authority | Speak against the enemy, evict what doesn’t belong in your life. | 72:07-73:45 |

Practical Q&A Highlights

• Q: How do you keep from repeating a wilderness season? (79:05-82:50)
  • Take accountability — sometimes, you haven’t learned what’s needed to graduate to the next level.
  • Seek help, therapy, or mentorship if needed; God uses support systems.
• Q: How do you maintain gratitude during hardship? (83:29-85:25)
  • Gratitude is a choice; happiness is based on circumstances, but joy is a decision rooted in faith.
• Q: Can you thrive in a wilderness season? (90:29-91:37)
  • Yes, you can and should thrive. Smiling and persevering in adversity defeats the enemy’s plan.
• Q: How do you build a supportive “corner” when alone? (86:55-89:58)
  • You need diverse support: mentors, friends, spiritual advisors. Different aspects of life need different “corner people.”

Final Blessing

Pastor Donnie ended by inviting everyone to spiritually build their own altar—a symbolic step of surrender in whatever “wilderness” one faces. He declared that the season is temporary, promotion is coming, and “it’s already all right.”

“It doesn’t matter what the enemy meant for evil. God is turning it for the good…The wilderness was a classroom, and after tonight, you’ve been promoted.” (97:22, 98:20)

Summary Table: Principles & Takeaways

| Principle | Takeaway | |-------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Identity Precedes Assignment | Know who you are before facing new challenges | | Seasons Are Temporary | Neither victory nor hardship lasts forever | | Test, Don’t Settle | View difficulties as tests for growth, not permanent states | | Accountable Mindset | Take responsibility for choices; don’t always blame the enemy | | Community Matters | Surround yourself with truth-tellers and people who see God’s call in you | | No Comparison | Stay focused on your own journey; don’t compare your path to others | | Use Spiritual Weapons | Fight life’s battles with appropriate scriptures, not just emotions | | Stand on Authority | Speak with the authority God gives—evict what is not from Him | | Praise & Gratitude | Choose praise, especially in hardship—it changes your outlook | | Expect Promotion | Trust that wilderness precedes elevation and breakthrough |

For New Listeners:
This episode is a masterclass in not just surviving, but thriving through adversity. It’s packed with relatable examples, scriptural backing, honest confessions, and practical strategies—making it a must-listen (or read!) for anyone navigating a tough season.