Desert's

Nope, not ‘desserts’, which I for one am prone to partake of frequently, but ‘deserts’.   Spiritual ‘deserts’ are times of life’s trials that occur between God’s promises and the ‘promise lands’.  To receive a promise, one must follow a plan obediently.  Promises/rewards can pertain to losing weight, obtaining a degree, sports achievements, esteemed career positions, even fighting Satan/sin.  When we do not faithfully follow, we face undesirable consequences/lack of reaching the desired ‘promise lands’.  The Israelites provide invaluable examples of losing focus/being disobedient.  Their ‘deserts’:   being enslaved to Egypt for 400 years and wandering literally in the desert for 40 years.  Human inclination is to move quickly through the trials/pains……those ‘deserts’, and lounge abundantly in those desired good times/’promise lands’.  However, the ‘deserts’ teach us priceless lessons........character builders- such as trust, patience, obedience, discipline, a contrite heart, to seek God first.  These times of reflection can provide much growth in our faith and to draw nearer to our God-exactly where he wants us, because that is ultimately what is best for us.  We can more clearly realize our dependence on God and His great love for us.  This can only come from choosing to seek and follow God through the pains-‘deserts’.  Then, in His time, we can joyously embrace those ‘promised lands’/blessings He provides.  Let’s encourage one another to allow the ‘deserts’ to mold and not defeat us.  To lean on God’s love and promises through complete submission.  Romans 4:20-21, Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,  being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.  Blessings in your pursuit…….TO