GOD meets us when we feel abandoned and forgotten, and He says, “I will spread a table for you in this wilderness.” (John Piper has a good word here.)
O, how God must become weary with how often we question his itinerary for our lives. How often we think we know better how to get from here to there! We are so much more prone to grumble with the conductor when the train turns south, than we are to sit patiently and wait for lessons from the Lord. He is a very mysterious guide. We never quite know what is coming next. God would never make it in the travel industry because He is always leading his best clients into the wilderness.
Can God set a table in the wilderness? Yes, He can. But you’ll never know as long as you stay in Egypt. By definition you have to be in the wilderness first. Then and only then can God set a table in the wilderness!
Let’s remember that YESHUA was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. There He experienced great temptation from the devil but came out of it empowered by the Ruach Hakodesh (Luke 4:1-14).
The wilderness is never easy. But God has purposes for us in the wilderness that cannot be accomplished by staying in Egypt. Those who resolve to follow YESHUA must eventually spend time in the desert with him. There in that solitary place, they gain what cannot be purchased except through pain and suffering.
It was necessary for YESHUA to go into the wilderness. It is necessary for us also. Think of it this way. The wilderness isn’t a fun place to be. You always end up feeling alone and exhausted. You may not fast for 40 days, but you will often come to the end of all human resources. And you willfeel like giving in and giving up. You willwonder why God has abandoned you. Nothing will make sense; all willseem confusing. But do not despair.
Stand your ground.
Remember the promises of God.
Cling to the Lord.
Do not turn back to the old way of life.
Do not give in to your emotions.
Lean on your brothers and sisters in MESSIAH YESHUA.
God never leads us into the wilderness in order to destroy us. He intends the time of testing to make us stronger. Think of what you find in the desert:
It’s far better to be in the wilderness with YESHUA than in a fancy penthouse without him.
Victory is here!
Holiness is here!
Spiritual growth is here!
The Holy Spirit is here!
YESHUA is here!
Life isn’t about your dreams, your agenda, your hopes, your ideas, or your plans. Life is all about God’s dreams, God’s agenda, God’s ideas, and God’s plans. It’s HIS kingdom we’re praying to come, not ours.
Can God set a table in the wilderness?
He can.
He does.
He will.
You can count on it.
Let all God’s people say amen.
From “Keep Believing Ministries.”
Blessings,
Pastor Bruce and Suzi Elman