Navigating the wilderness
Following this podcast season, I wanted to share some of my takeaways about the wilderness. After talking to our wonderful guests and pondering on what the Bible says about the wilderness, here are some things that I’ve learned.
Productivity in the Pain
In the solitude of sorrow and suffering, we discover an unexpected fellowship. When the world seems oblivious to our struggles, God gives us people who will come alongside us. More than that, He comes alongside us. His presence is a healing balm.
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him,because it neither sees him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 (NIV)
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalms 62:1-2
Waiting
In the barrenness of waiting, we grow. Like seeds buried beneath the soil, we may feel dormant, even lifeless. Yet, beneath His wings, transformation is unfolding, even if we don’t see it. As we patiently endure, His resurrection power breathes life into our weary souls, making the wait worthwhile. He is reviving and resuscitating us and He will give us resurrection power. While we wait God works and we will see he makes it worth the wait.
Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.
Poster of Preparation
In anticipation of trials to come, readiness is important. With God’s peace—casting aside resentment and embracing trust—we can confront adversity head-on, knowing that He turns all things for good
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
We have to crucify the “why” that rolls around in our heads when things get hard. Release your resentment and cast your cares on Jesus.
“They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.” Acts 14:21-22 (NIV)
Through many tribulations we enter the kingdom of God.
Do you have something in your life you thought would be typical that’s become a trial? How is your picture of perfection turning out? What’s your reaction when things don't go as planned? What’s your response?
God offers a future to anyone and everyone who will listen to His voice and respond to His word. God honors the time invested in learning to listen to His voice. Each time you sit with Him in His living word, He is training and equipping you. He’s preparing you. He wants us to be aware of signs and warnings.
“The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.” Jeremiah 1:12 (NIV)
God has the power to keep what is committed to Him.
“He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’” Mark 6:48-50
Nevertheless
“To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service.” Daniel 1:17-19 (NIV)
God is always turning things for good, even in the darkest of times. He has not forgotten about you. You will never-be-the-less when you serve God and trust the circumstances to Him. Never.
To Those Treading Their Own Trail of Tears
Maybe you feel alone in a sea teeming with people. You don’t know if this pain will ruin or refine you. You feel like you are so consumed with your own storm that you are having trouble having compassion for another’s crisis.
Hold fast to God’s promises. Anchor your mind to truth. Find a fixed point to focus on while your life is being battered, a place to stare at that will not shift or shake but remain steady. That place is God’s truth and goodness.
If you need somewhere to start, I highly recommend reading through Psalm 34.
Feasting in the Wilderness
Even in the desolation of grief, God’s provision abounds.
Grief is personal, and it often leaves us in a lonely and solitary place. It’s draining, exhausting, and even depressing if we try to get through it without supernatural strength.
Here’s the thing, God cares. He cares about you and He cares about your grief.
“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.” Psalms 56:8-9 (NIV)
He can feed you in the wilderness. Like manna in the desert, His sustenance sustains us through the darkest of days. The wilderness can be famine or feast, depending on how we approach it.
“But, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love;” Lamentations 3:32 (NIV)
Moving Forward
We need faith to move forward. When we move out of the wilderness, we will be facing a new normal. It will be unfamiliar. Think of the disciples after the crucifixion. Their world was turned upside down. There was mourning and weeping. Their dreams were dashed.
“But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.” Luke 24:21 (NIV)
They were stripped of any sense of authority, power, influence, or identity
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)
Then they were blessed with expanded borders, greater influence, and a credible witness.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
Come out of your own pain and watch God fill you with purpose and an enlarged heart for people in pain.
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” Mark 4:39 (NIV)
There will be peace after this storm. Jesus has the authority to calm the wind and the seas.
