What do you think of when you read that word - desert wandering. Many of us see a picture of a desert, sand on sand as far as the eye can see. Walking through a desert is probably not what is highest on the wish list for many of us. From experience, one may have experienced periods in life where one subsequently puts that word on that period. Can desert hiking be something positive for us?
In the book of Exodus we read about the exodus of the Jews from Egypt, it was a 40 year desert exodus. They were promised a land that "flows with milk and honey," that is, that which is fertile and has an abundance of everything they need to live. The trek was tough and at times they just wanted to go back to captivity in Egypt, but in the end they stand at the entrance to the land. Then it's the end of the desert, isn't it? I always thought there was nothing more desert in when they came to the land God had promised them, but there I have made a serious mistake.
"The Promised Land" represents the place God leads us to, the goal of our calling. The place where we find joy and blessing in and where we feel whole .. like a foretaste of heaven. While the desert represents what we go through to get to the place God has called us to. Two completely different places - one characterized by trials and adversity and the other by rest and blessing.
The fact is that over half of Israel (the promised land) consists of the desert! That is, the desert is not outside of God's purposes and promises, but part of it. Life consists of ups and downs, challenges, tears and waiting time. Life is not for the faint of heart, it is not fair and can cause so many afflictions, that it may be difficult to believe or try to understand that God can turn everything for the good of us (Rom.8,28).
After reading the blog "You are the plan", I have looked at this truth in a new way. God created us in relationship with Him and in His image with free will to choose. If I choose to believe that the most important thing is to live in a close relationship with God and let everything that has met me and that will meet me in life take me closer to Him, He will give power and strength to live through and in spite of all things. In God, even the desert can be a blessing.
Lord, help us to let everything we encounter in life bring us closer to you. Thank you for enduring all our thoughts and feelings when life is hard. Thank you for saying in your word that in the midst of our darkness you are there. You are with all days - all kinds of days!
- Wenche Egeland, Kr.sand 5 / 6-21
Desert wandering is not outside of God's purposes and promises, but part of it.
Photo by Heather Shevlin on Unsplash
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