Wow-derness!

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

Isaiah 43:19

I keep finding my life aligning with stories I’ve heard and read about in God’s Word. It’s no coincidence either! The Bible is filled with stories of normal people like you and I, living their lives, experiencing victories and defeats, and often falling and failing miserably before being picked up, forgiven, encouraged and brought into new levels. The Bible also says there’s nothing new under the sun - so, we’re pretty much the same as any other human being since Adam was created.

God brings us to the “hard” parts to teach and grow us into more of whom He sees we can become. A better reflection of Him!

God sometimes answers our prayers for Him to “get us out” of a current situation. However, much more often than not, we find Him desiring to bring us through a storm or valley instead of delivering us from it completely. Yes, it would be easy for Him to pick us up and move us forward to the end, but we gain so much more ground and strength if we experience the trial with Him near rather than if He rescued us from it entirely.

God is much more committed to our character development and purpose than our comfort level.

I was pleasantly surprised when I felt the Lord nudge my spirit and tell me I was leaving the land of Moab. I was ready! Let’s get this show on the road! However, as I studied the story of Naomi and Ruth, I realized it wasn’t just a snap of the finger and then, “bam!”, they were right back in the place God had prepared for them. They had to journey across a wilderness on their way back to restoration and promise. If you think about it, the children of Israel had the same issues. Humanity.

What?!

Yes, God easily could’ve, BUT HE DIDN’T!

Just like the valley teaches us certain lessons, the wilderness has an entirely different set of lessons and tests which must be taken and passed.

If I could liken the valley to learning more of God’s character and to trust in Him, then I’d also liken the wilderness to learning more about our character and weaknesses.

During wilderness seasons we must rely upon Him for direction, strength, manna and water. In those dry and thirsty lands, our flesh must be crucified and we must leave our place of comfort and press into the protection and provision of Lord. Sure, He led us thru the valley, but then He gently prods us through the wilderness. Why? Because He knows what He’s doing and won’t settle for less than His best for us. Remember, He has an expected end and is writing our story for His glory, if we’ll allow.

Yes, He does new things in the wilderness. New things within us! It’s in the wilderness that we can get angry because it’s taking so long. In the dry places we must learn to wait — to be patient and not try to “fix” things or ourselves. In the desert, we learn to hand over our baggage and forgive others, face our hang ups and weaknesses, and we discover the weights which so easily beset us. We also learn the value of not grumbling and complaining about our situation or set of circumstances. The wilderness requires us to keep moving and shifting, to press forward to what is unseen. It’s in the wilderness where our final tests of faith must be worked out.

Who wants to be like the Israelites who had to dwell in the wilderness for forty years waiting on those who grumbled at God’s ways to die?!

In that arid, lifeless place, we must begin to bear fruit which comes solely from the Lord’s Spirit.

“How?” You might ask. Simply by not trying harder on our own accord, but by recognizing that He is the One doing the new thing. We cannot, but He can! We often try to fix things so it’s easier on us; God wants something undeniably “Him” to spring up in those places as we commit our lack and weakness to His endless strength and control. Faith is shaped in the wilderness. Joy begins to quietly grow in the wilderness. Hope begins to manifest itself in the wilderness - like a mirage in the beginning, but as we lean into our Guide, He turns it into a lifegiving river where all the gunk of “self” can be washed away. He makes ALL things new — including us.

As we stand on the edge of that river, soaked through our clothes after having been washed once again by our Redeemer, having survived the valley and now the dust of the wilderness, we are ready and headed toward future…to promise. I’m so thankful God’s promises don’t expire! Remember, the future is bright, there’s hope, more understanding, more testimony and more LIFE. Not only here, but eternally.

Let’s encourage one another not to sweat the small stuff, don’t give up in the darkness, don’t allow the shadows to cause you to cower down…but, if you do…there are still promises awaiting you. Grieve it, then pull it together and recognize this place for what it is. I know it’s not always easy and takes time which isn’t always on our time schedule. Oh, how I know!! God told us to have faith tho, because He knew there’d be moments when we were faithless. He told us not to be afraid because He knew there’d be times when we would be, and He told us to run with patience because He knew we’d get sick and tired of the race and feel like quitting. He ALSO has promised to make a way in the wilderness because He doesn’t want us to give up right before we get to the promise land.

Be encouraged and press on, my friend, what you’re looking for, the things your heart desires is right around the bend. Don’t give up this close to victory! The enemy may be speaking discouragement and lies in your ear, but God isn’t just the God of the valley. You don’t look like what you’ve been through, you look gloriously changed and ready for a new chapter. I think we might have just been on the Potter’s wheel getting ready for our new season. Get ready! Keep walking, follow that mirage until it becomes a refreshing river of life, washing away the past and all the weights holding you back from receiving your promise.

Let’s find our WOW in the wilderness, then stand and testify. It’s a “wow-derness” in the hands of an Almighty, on-time God.