Wandering In the Desert

When I look back over the course of my life I can see how God has been working with me. Even before I was born He knew everything about me: the family I would be raised in, my personality, what makes me tic, and how to reach me. A lot of growth has happened in my relationship with Him since I first surrendered my life to God as a teenager. I am not the same person today that I was then. There have also been dry spells. Times where the monotony of life dragged me into stagnant water. Looking back at those dry spells I can see my desperate need for God. Even though I read the Word, its passages at that time seemed empty, not reaching me or speaking to me. In those dry spells I often wondered what had caused the flame in my life and heart to go out. I realize now it was because I had lost sight of my deep need of God. I wasn't on the mountaintop or deep in the valley, I was stuck somewhere in the middle, treading water, without any will or hope of moving forward. 

I think we all experience those times in the desert, where we feel lost, unconnected with God and our purpose. What I have learned is that even in those times when it doesn't feel like God is near or that He cares or is listening, He is. We are the ones that distance ourselves from Him, not the other way around. Its all too easy to shift our focus from God above to the miserable state of sin in this world below and the sin in us. Sometimes the only way to reconnect with God at the end of those desert experiences is to completely give up our own will in the midst of our brokenness and loneliness. It is when we experience our deepest need of God that we fully realize how present He is and was all along. When we crawl into His arms, scarred, hurting, and with tears streaming down our face He dabs at the wounds, dries our tears, and speaks words of comfort and love. The same words once read without need sounded hallow and empty, devoid of meaning. For the soul in need of God, His Word comes alive, ready to heal, teach, and inspire growth in the reader. 

It is in that place of shelter, love, and comfort in Jesus' arms that I now find myself. I thank God for the tough experiences in my life, because without them I would not have been driven to God. I know personally why Paul and Jesus wrote to count it a blessing when trials and persecution come our way. They both knew it is those times that refine our character and make us into a people God is proud to say are reflectors of His character here on earth. 

When trials and challenges happen in your life this week, before reacting in anger, frustration, or sadness, turn to God and ask Him how the experience can be used to draw you closer to Him, and/or help someone else. You may be surprised to find that He is ready with either peace, an answer, or both.