"Wilderness Wanderings"

 

“Wilderness Wanderings”

 

In Jude 3 our Lord’s brother says, “…Although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith….” I thought of this statement this morning (April 7) because until yesterday I’d planned to address a different topic but God seemed to have been saying, “Not now!” for a couple of days. Then at breakfast today Karen shared when as our church’s Worship Leader she seemed empty and dry even to the point of feeling hypocritical in leading the congregation into God’s presence. But a sense of commitment motivated her to continue on and soon the passion returned. She also read me a devotional by Rick Warren which confirmed that her struggle wasn’t abnormal in our service for Christ. Maybe you’ve had a similar experience—I know I have.

When we hear of wilderness wanderings chances are that our first thought is of Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Shortly after leaving their captors the people were at the shore of the Red Sea with the Egyptian army in hot pursuit. Moses heard the cries of fear and said, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today.” (Exodus 14:13, NKJV, emphasis added). But soon God told him, “Tell the children of Israel to go forward.” (Exodus 14:15, NKJV, emphasis added). And He made a path through the sea, the people arrived on its east side and the enemy soldiers drowned when the waters returned to normal. And for the next 40 years the nation stopped and started as God led and provided for them.

Thankfully our wilderness wanderings are far, far shorter than Israel’s. But we rejoice that, now as well as then, “…God is faithful….” (1 Corinthians 10:13) and “…will guide (us) always….” (Isaiah 58:11). David said, “The steps of a good (person) are ordered by the Lord….” (Psalm 37:23, NKJV) but, as I’ve noted previously, it’s also true that “The stops of a good (person) are ordered by the Lord….” (McMillan adaptation). In other words, there’s a time to stand still and a time to go forward as we endure those dry times. Job certainly had his share of such troubles but by faith he responded, “…(God) knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10). And so will you and I!

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan