The desert
Sophie - August 18, 2009
For the last couple of years - up until about a month ago - I've felt a little bit like I've been walking through completely unchartered territory. I won't bore you with all the details, but in some ways my life felt like a never-ending opposite day: what I thought would happen didn't. What I didn't think would happen did. And after a year or so of learning to expect the unexpected, my husband and I finally got to a point where we could honestly say, "Okay, God. We know there's a lesson here. Help us learn it."
Like so much of life, that time wasn't easy. But you know what? It was good.
Several weeks ago in Bible study we watched a DVD that goes with Priscilla Shirer's Discerning The Voice of God, and she reminded us how God spoke to Moses in the desert. She pointed out that bushes don't burn in palaces, and it's in the "desert times" when we're equipped for God's plan. She went on to say that we need to be mindful that we don't miss supernatural moments with God when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances, so we need to focus on His activity during our uncertainty.
I don't know what you're dealing with right now in your life - what disappointments you're facing, what plans you're questioning - but please accept this tiny bit of encouragement from someone who has been in the desert before and will no doubt be there again: even when it might not feel like it, He's working. He's preparing. He's equipping. Even when life isn't working out like we planned.
Because here's the thing about when God takes you through the desert: the path may be a little less clear, and the journey may take a little longer - but you'll see and learn things that you would have missed completely if you'd traveled the shorter, easier way.
Be encouraged.
Melanie
Melanie
Sophie
Sophie
Pam
Pam
Paige
Paige
Kris
Kris
Comments (10)
Thank you Sophie. I really needed to hear that. I’m going through a period of uncertainty and it is so encouraging to be reminded that God is with me through it all.
Posted on August 19, 2009 9:19 AM
Thank you for letting Jesus used you to speak a word of encouragement to me that He is working,preparing and equipping me. He knows i’m hurting to do that what he’s calling me to do. Sometimes it just hurts waiting yet knowing his perfect timing is right and will be on target and his fulfilling his purpose for me those it lingers i know it will!Then when i think about it actually coming it{makes me feel butterflies swarming inside me. I am so excited what God has planned for my life yet something inside my inner impulses is worries will i be ready} and at the same time I am so glad He knows when i will be ready. He is so amazing. Thank you again for the encouragemt i receive from God by your post Truly right timing that God wanted me to hear. Thanks.
Posted on August 19, 2009 1:50 PM
Thank you so much for that reminder and encouragement. You made me sit here and boo hoo at my desk. I’ve been in this particular desert so long I think I may have forgotten what grass looks like. God has his plan though and one day it will be revealed. It’s good to be reminded of that.
Posted on August 19, 2009 1:55 PM
Hugs Sophie! I needed to hear that. I feel face down in the mud overwhelmed. Having a very hard time with my attitude. It’s behaving like a 2 year old.
Posted on August 19, 2009 3:23 PM
i am having a hard time with this…the desert keeps stretching out farther and farther…i need some soothing rain…i keep thinking this is temporary, but it seems to go on and on…very discouraged right now
Posted on August 19, 2009 7:33 PM
sbh -
Hang in there. Just said a prayer for you.
Posted on August 19, 2009 8:24 PM
How did you know exactly what I needed to read today? Thank you!!
Posted on August 20, 2009 8:16 AM
Uncertain times? In the past 3 months I have quit my job to stay home for the first time, we have left the only church home we have known as a married couple and yesterday husband informed me of a pay cut. VERY UNCERTAIN! But the certain thing is Jesus Christ reigns and is working where I can’t see. I am very grateful! Thanks Sophie for the post:o)
Posted on August 20, 2009 3:33 PM
You had my number recently with a post on your personal blog and you’re in my business again today. You don’t have any other blog readers you can pick on for awhile?
Posted on August 20, 2009 9:37 PM
Thanks Sophie, we are going through a really hard time right now, with my husband’s business (architectural designer) and we have both been VERY discouraged, but reading this has definitely encouraged me. Thanks for taking the time to write and share!!
Posted on August 24, 2009 12:16 AM