Wilderness Experiences
Author: Ayodeji Oludapo
Published Date: July 30, 2024
Scripture: Exodus 13:17-18 (NIV)
"17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea.[a] The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle."
Devotional Thoughts
When God freed the Israelites from Egypt, He led them through the wilderness rather than the shorter, more direct route. This decision might seem puzzling, but God had a purpose. The wilderness was a place of testing, growth, and revelation.
The Challenges of the Wilderness:
The wilderness experience is rarely enjoyable. It can be a period of:
Joblessness: When you face unemployment, it can feel like wandering in a barren land.
Sickness: Illness can be a harsh desert, sapping your strength and hope.
Relationship struggles: Broken or strained relationships can make you feel isolated and lost.
God's Purpose in the Wilderness:
Teaching Lessons: God uses the wilderness to teach important lessons. It could be about patience, learning to wait on His timing. It might be about self-control, developing the strength to say no to temptations and distractions. Each lesson is crucial for our growth and development in faith.
Demonstrating His Power: The wilderness is a stage where God demonstrates His power. Just as He provided manna from heaven and water from a rock for the Israelites, God shows that He can provide and sustain us through any difficult situation. He proves His ability to take us through the toughest times.
Building Dependency on Him: In the wilderness, we learn to depend on God. When resources are scarce and we have nowhere else to turn, we realize that God is our ultimate source of strength and provision. This dependency deepens our relationship with Him and builds our faith.
Conclusion:
No matter what wilderness experience you are going through right now, remember that God has a purpose for it. He is teaching you valuable lessons, demonstrating His power, and building your dependency on Him. Trust in His guidance and provision, knowing that He is with you every step of the way.