Monuments - A 7 Day Devotional By GATEWAYExemplo

Wilderness

by Anna Byrd

When we find ourselves in seasons of drowning (emotionally or spiritually), we instinctively want to come up for air. When we feel like something has taken our very breath from us, we look for ways of escape. I found myself in a season like this a couple of years ago, and I honestly could not see a way out. I was angry with the Lord. Why would He allow something so terrible to happen to me?

In difficult seasons we face a choice: run away or throw our hands up and surrender. I remember consciously making my decision and saying to God, “I can’t do this, and I have no idea how You are going to fix it. But I am going to trust You.”

The Bible says that after God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, He led them through the wilderness. It even says He could have taken them an easier route, but He chose to lead them through the wilderness (Exodus 13:17-18). Why would God take His people into a hard place? Hadn't they already suffered enough? Deuteronomy 8:2 says He wanted to test their hearts, to see if they would "keep His commandments or not." You see, if God brought His people straight from Egypt into the Promised Land, it would be like bribing children with candy to get them to follow Him. God did not just want their obedience—He wanted their hearts.

As I lost everything I thought I knew and everything I thought I wanted, I realized that all I had left was God. He quickly became my everything. Did I still believe He had good things in store for me? Yes. Did I still believe in all His promises for me? Yes! But God's presence began to mean more to me than the promises. I wanted to stay in the wilderness a little longer because there I could hear Him more clearly. I could feel His breath on my face and His hand on my heart. God had won back my heart, and suddenly nothing else mattered. Surrender your wilderness to Him today. He will not disappoint you!