The Wilderness Experience

After reading the Bible from beginning to end, I have started the journey once again and have now reached the book of Deuteronomy. This time, I am reading the Swindoll Study Bible, which I have found clear and easy to understand.

As I read about the children of Israel, I am reminded that their wilderness journey has many lessons for God’s people today. God permitted them to experience hunger, thirst and hardship to humble them, test their hearts and teach them to depend upon Him.

The apostle Peter wrote:

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.”
—1 Peter 4:12

Your wilderness may also be a time when God is proving and strengthening your faith. Anyone can praise God during a mountaintop experience, but there are times when we must follow Him through the valley.

The wilderness may come through the loss of a friend or family member, financial hardship, sickness or an unexpected tragedy. Even our worries about those in positions of authority can distract us. When our eyes become fixed upon the world instead of the Word, our peace and our fellowship with the Master can be affected.

God raised up Pharaoh and used even his rebellion to demonstrate His mighty power and glory. The Almighty is never blind to those who hold positions of authority. He knows who is in power in America, the United Kingdom and every nation of the world. Therefore, we must take our eyes off man and place them upon the Master.

The children of Israel repeatedly complained against Moses, even though he was the leader whom God had chosen. At one point, Moses’ own brother and sister, Aaron and Miriam, spoke against him. They became caught up in criticism and failed to recognise the authority God had given to Moses.

The Lord heard their words, and Miriam was struck with leprosy. Aaron confessed that they had acted foolishly and pleaded with Moses for help. Although Miriam had spoken against him, Moses showed mercy and cried unto the Lord:

“Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.”
—Numbers 12:13

God answered his prayer. Miriam was shut outside the camp for seven days, but she was healed and later restored.

There is an important lesson here: we must be very careful about gossip, criticism and rebellion. Before believing everything we hear or speaking against another person, we should bring the matter before the Lord. Talking to the Master before listening to gossip can save us and others from a great deal of heartache.

However, if you are passing through a wilderness today, remember that God has not abandoned you. He may be teaching you to trust Him more deeply. He is never too busy to hear the cry of your heart. He sees every tear, understands every burden and has promised to remain with you.

Although He is the Lord of all glory, He is still only a prayer away.

God knows.God loves.God cares.

       GOD IS A GOOD GOD

GOD KNOWS, GOD LOVES, GOD CARES

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                  25th August 2016