Being Tested in the Wilderness

“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” Deuteronomy 8:2 NIV

Have you ever felt like you were in the wilderness? Did you feel your heart being tested? I have. I did not feel the flow. It was uncomfortable. I encountered some inconveniences. In the midst of it, God always provided everything I needed. It just wasn’t what I was used to or what I expected. It was a period of tremendous change. There were still many, many things to be thankful for. So in prayer, I continued to count my blessings. Whenever I would tuck myself into prayer, I was also filled with a great hope in a future that was filled with God’s promises. In order to grab hold of His promises, I had to let go of the familiar and embrace the unfamiliar. I had to get comfortable being uncomfortable!

Slowly and surely a yearning started to develop. It was a yearning that wanted nothing short of what God had for me. I knew deep in my heart that what God had for me was far better than anything I could manufacture or imagine. I had to ask for more grace, patience, wisdom and discernment to operate by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I had to ask for more faith and confidence to be obedient. The more I sought to be obedient , the more pliable my heart became. The more pliable my heart became, the easier it was to keep my eyes on Jesus and not on the circumstances around me. I had peace.

Father, I repent for taking so long to ask for your guidance! Help me to be quick to come to you with everything. Help me see what is of you and what is not. Help me filter out anything that is wrapped in confusion or fear. Help me move forward in all things patiently waiting and looking for your favor to step into.

Ephesians 4:32, 1 Peter 3:14-16, Isaiah 8:12, 20