Interactions in the Wilderness

I cared for you in the wilderness, in the land of drought. Hosea13:5 (New American Standard Bible)

I look back at the children of Israel during their wilderness wanderings and I marvel at the loving care God displayed to them time and time again. Just His miraculous provisions of food and water leave me in awe. For forty years God had them in a place which forced them to look to Him for their most basic needs to be met. How slow they often were to realize His availability to them. Lessons were learned and relearned. But each time they cried out He answered. Each time they sought Him He was found. If I am ever looking for a picture of God’s tender, compassionate heart I need look no farther than the account of His people in the wilderness.

Isn’t it strange though how often the children of Israel accused God of forsaking them when needs arose? As difficulties came the worst case scenarios played out in their minds and they gave voice to all the doubts. “We are going to die here” became their motto. They could not conceive of the fact that God would get them through each crises. Even when God came through for them each new test seemed to take them back to doubts and discouragement.

It is times like that when the practicality of Scripture becomes a reality in my own life. Each of us have our wilderness experiences in the Christian life. For whatever reason life becomes hard, our spiritual life becomes dry, we feel forsaken and forgotten, our resources no longer help us, and we find ourselves at a place when we have no choice but to look to God for our daily needs. We might even find ourselves giving voice to every doubt and fear that wells up inside us. “I am not going to make it through this one” becomes our motto. The answer?

Realize God leads us into and stays with us through the wilderness times. Review His awareness of, His words to, and His acts of kindness displayed on His people. Know that He is just as involved in your life! If nothing else, find one truth about God’s character and hold on to it. Trust Him even when all the evidence seems to be against you and Him. Wildernesses are the places God desires to display His power on your behalf.

Father, each time I find myself in a wilderness may I look for and sense Your presence. The opportunities will abound for You to act on my behalf. I give You praise! Amen.

He Knews My Name - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXsiWoyjw60&feature=related

Holiness is a furnace that transforms the men and women who enter it. - Eugene H.Peterson