Going through a difficult season can feel lonely. As we are in what appears to be an endless holding pattern, trying to deal with our emotions and understand what’s happening to us, the world continues to move forward, seemingly, at a happier pace. We think no one cares. In the rare case when we share our feelings with someone, we believe they’re not listening. With each day that passes without a change in our situation, we may become discouraged, irritated, or frustrated, and develop feelings of self-pity. We may even start believing that God doesn’t love us.
I’ve been through the wilderness, a place of isolation and struggle, more than once. Not too long ago, I found myself in one of my life\'s darkest and loneliest places. One day life was great and then the next boom! —I was hit from all sides. I cried out to God, wondering why He allowed so many bad things to happen to me at once. And just as my despair seemed to overtake me, I decided to meditate on God’s Word every day and every night. My situation improved (thank you, Lord!), but what is most remarkable about that time is experiencing the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:7).
We often limit God’s love to the barometer of our circumstances. When everything is going well God loves us. If we experience a difficult season, we search high and low to rationalize why God has chosen to extend a heavy hand.
I have great news to share if that’s where you are now…
God\'s love remains steadfast through every ebb and flow.
Of course, if we’re out of alignment with God’s Word, He may correct us by changing our circumstances, but He does it from a place of love (Hebrews 12:4-11).
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) says the following:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Did you catch that? Nothing above, on, or below the earth can separate us from God’s love. That’s an assurance that should immediately lift your countenance!
I have more good news. The wilderness is a common thread in the narratives of some of the greatest leaders in the Bible.
Here are a few from the Old Testament:
Moses
Moses is one of the most recognized figures of the Bible. Chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of bondage, Moses first underwent a transformative forty-year sojourn in the wilderness, where he found purpose amidst the barrenness. (Exodus 15:22-26)
Joseph
Equally compelling is the saga of Joseph, whose youthful dreams of greatness were met with contempt by his family. Cast into adversity, Joseph\'s resilience in the face of betrayal and hardship ultimately led to his exaltation as a ruler in Egypt. (Genesis 46:1-47:12)
Elijah
The prophet Elijah, too, sought refuge in the wilderness, fleeing from persecution. Amidst the desolation, he found sustenance in divine providence, a testament to God\'s unwavering faithfulness. (I Kings 19)
And here are two New Testament wilderness heroes:
Paul
Paul, the apostle renowned for his missionary zeal, embarked on a solitary journey in the Arabian desert, where he gleaned spiritual insights that would fortify his ministry. (Galatians 1:17-18)
Jesus
Jesus, like Moses, spent 40 days in the wilderness. He had to contend with temptation before embracing his destiny as the Savior of humanity. (Matthew 4:1-11)
Aren’t you glad that Jesus made it through the wilderness?
Navigating the Wilderness
I understand that being in the wilderness is uncomfortable and may feel lonely. But you have a beacon of hope—the promise captured in Romans 8:28: \"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.\"
This guarantee invites us to persevere, trusting God to orchestrate every trial for our ultimate good.
So, what should you do while you’re in the wilderness:
Praise God. (Psalms 34:1-15)
Realize that God loves you and works every aspect of your life for a good outcome. (Romans 8:28)
Pray and ask God to check your heart for anything unaligned with His Word. (Psalms 139:23-24)
Read the stories about Bible heroes who spent time in the wilderness. Reorient your focus and draw strength from their narratives.
Find encouraging scriptures in the Bible that relate to your situation and speak words of encouragement to yourself daily. The Book of Psalms is a great place to start.
Hang on and trust that God is guiding you toward a destiny infused with purpose and greatness. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Note that the revelation I’ve referenced for navigating the wilderness necessitates a foundational relationship with God—a surrender conveyed by turning away from your sins, believing that Jesus is God\'s Son and our Savior, and submitting to Him as Lord of your life (1 John 4:2, 13-15; 5:13).
With love, always.
Letha
