Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
We all have our moments in the wilderness, our seasons in the desert. I just (barely) got out of one myself. It’s been a tough year, and I can’t say I am proud of how I handled it. I dragged myself along, thinking there is no end in sight. I complained of the heat and the discomfort, and got angry at God for not providing a way out of my misery. I was at a spiritual low, and I nearly turned back to Egypt. In the midst of my turmoil, God gave me an assurance that he will provide a way out – 1 Corinthians 10:13. I parked that thought in the back of my mind, and soon forgot about the promise.
Months later, at the break of a long and sleepless night wrestling over my latest circumstances, the light dawned. The way became clear – and the burden was lifted. God was writing me another beginning.
I thought I had to get through the desert on my own strength, with my own effort. I pushed myself to go through the rough patch like a soldier. I failed to recognise that even in the wilderness, God is there. And he wasn’t just there. He was making the way for me. He was providing for my needs. He paved a road so I won’t get lost; he caused rivers to flow so I will be refreshed.
God never promised green pasture all the time. But he promises his presence, which guides and sustains.
Can you find God in your dry wasteland?
Wait and see. There will be rivers in the desert.
