Desert experiences are no respecter of persons.
And this includes God’s people as long as we live on the earth.
But God provides in every way, in every desert we travel through. Like He did for the children of Israel.
Perhaps great loss transported us smack dab in the middle of a desert.
Maybe a job and income loss. A loved one passed away or a natural disaster took everything from us. Or the loss of a lifelong dream.
Further, we catapult into a desolate wasteland during prolonged illness of ourselves or a family member. Also during depression, traumatic circumstances, difficult relationships, and more.
God leads us from the desert to the Promised Land.
God Guides Our Steps in the Desert
We often stumble and wander with no certain direction of how to navigate our wasteland. So, we need help from on High—from our compassionate God.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
God provided a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to guide the Israelites in the desert (Exodus 13). His Word will always guide our feet and path. We pray for wisdom and direction and we seek God’s face and the Scriptures.
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21 (ESV)
God Makes a Way
Our heavenly Father makes a way, carving out a path before us, even when there seems to be no way. God can do anything like moving an obstacle or mountain blocking our way to our own promised land.
Jesus taught how faith moves mountains. (See Matthew 17:20; Mark 11:23)
The Lord parted the Red Sea for His people fleeing from the Egyptian army. And He parts seas in our situation to make a way to the other side.
“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.” Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)
“A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.” Isaiah 40:3-4 (ESV)
God Nourishes Our Soul in the Desert
The Lord rains down spiritual manna from heaven when we need it most. God cares for our hungry and thirsty soul in a dry and parched land.
“You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger and brought water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and you told them to go in to possess the land that you had sworn to give them.” Nehemiah 9:15 (ESV)
God Turns Ashes to Beauty
A desert experience may leave us only holding ashes. But God works for our good in some way, making beauty from ashes. Because desert experiences grow us up in God. In the end, we are more like Christ.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Look at this comforting passage:
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me…to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1 & 3 (ESV, emphasis added)
The next time you find yourself in the desert or you’re currently in one now, remember God guides your steps, makes a way, nourishes your soul, and turns ashes into beauty.
Featured image courtesy of Canva.