Walking In The Wilderness
“But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers.” Deuteronomy 6:23 NIV
We all have times in our life that feel like wilderness times. Just like the Israelites wandering around for 40 years in the desert, we feel like our life is aimless, dry and arid. Nothing that I can say to you is going to make the wilderness experience any more pleasurable. However, if that is where you feel that you are, today would be a good day to look at the wilderness time from a different perspective.
When we are in the wilderness all we can see is the struggle and the impossibility of the situation leading to an evaporation of hope. So how can we look at that differently? First of all, we need to remember that God never brought the Israelites out of Egypt just to leave them in the wilderness. The wilderness was a necessary step to get from Egypt to the Promised Land. You cannot get to the Promised Land directly from Egypt. That route always requires a transit through the wilderness. That is why God said to the Hebrews that He brought them “out” so that He could bring them “in”! There is a process.
If you are in the wilderness then you are in process. You have already left a place of bondage and are headed for something better which Jesus has planned for you. Don’t be discouraged, because you are in route. You have at least left the station even though you have not yet arrived. You are closer to the promise land than before.
Also, the wilderness time was a season of great miracles. While you are walking through this desert, keep your vision looking up to Him. Then you will see miracles take place, great works of the Lord that will further strengthen your faith and be things that you will always remember and draw inspiration from in the future.
It may not be an enjoyable time of your life but it is evidence that He is in the process of taking you toward the promises of blessings that He has for you. This fact alone should bolster your soul! So walk in your wilderness with a sense of anticipation, knowing that you cannot enter into the land of promise without first leaving where you are. That is not always comfortable but when God takes you into those promises it is always worth it.
Are you discouraged because you are walking in the wilderness? Be encouraged that you are in route to the Promised Land!
J Todd Hostetler