An encouragement for desert wanderers

Huacachina Oasis in southern Peru. A small village (pop. 115)

This personal blog is a response to the 7/11/12 teaching of @YoungAdultsEcc, a ministry of  @EmmanuelMN.
An encouragement for those of us in the desert: we can THRIVE where most cannot even survive.

Here's why . . . According to the Bible (Exodus 15, Deuteronomy 33, Judges 5), Yahweh (God's personal name he gave to Moses) was a warrior God who came from the desert of the South. Now, today we understand that God is the Father of Jesus Christ, His Son (Galatians 4:4-5), but back then they needed a way to identify God from the false gods. In the days of the the exodus from Egypt, polytheism prevailed-- many gods and goddesses acting wildly and starting all sorts of trouble. 

So God, a warrior of Love, not only survives in the desert-- He thrives in the desert. God's job is hard, but He's not tired! God is not like us, with our weaknesses and shortcomings. He is Love (1 Jn 4:8). Last night after service as Kelly and I fell asleep I felt the love of God SO strongly. For those of you know us, you know we are walking through prolonged periods of uncertainty that keep us praying (and we appreciate your prayers as well) and humbled. But we KNOW He'll keep taking care of us, no matter what!

The next time you feel discouraged and defeated, the hot sun of life beating down on your cracked lips, remember the One who created an entire ecology of plants, animals and insects who thrive in this environment. And remember that you for times in your life you are like one of these creatures. The desert may be dangerous and uncomfortable, but you were made to THRIVE there, for a time.

Review from Pastor Brian @btalso:
1. Consider your focus- remember Wrong Way Riegels!
2. Check your motives. Heart motives matter to God.
3. Consider your maturity level. Some things we are not ready for.
  
Reminder: The desert is uncomfortable, not impossible. Don't forget grace. We can do nothing without God; we can do everything with Him!

Bottom line: God takes people into the desert to renew their intimacy with Him and remind them of their dependence on His love. Your desert is a training ground. The one who took you there will also lead you out. What is uncomfortable will only make you stronger.

Application:

Desert traveler, I pray you eat, drink and are strengthened today. I pray you are confident of your status as a forgiven and blood-bought son or daughter of God. May your whole person soak up the strength that only comes from waiting on the Lord. Though the desert surrounds you, may your heart not faint!

Food: The Word (2 Tim 3:16)
Water: The Spirit (John 7:37-39)
Shelter: The Shadow of His Wings (Psalm 17:8)
Clothing: The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)

The world has none of these things. Will you take a risk today and step out of your comfort zone to help someone in need? A kind word can go a long way for the overworked single mother whose husband just left her. For the teen who is cutting, their pain shows on the outside, but your prayers and love can reach their insides. For your co-worker whose life is a neverending party, who will they turn to when the party ends? Remember, believers are not the only ones who go through deserts in life; we are the only ones who can THRIVE in them.

No student is greater than his master. Jesus is the greatest!