It was not supposed to be like this.

I’m 55 years old, and you would think I would have learned this by now.

Have you ever seen plans fall apart before your eyes, and then been left standing in unfamiliar and challenging places wondering Why? Why now? Why here? Maybe even stomped your feet a few dozen times trying to get God’s attention so that He would deliver you out from this dry and thirsty land you’re now walking through?

“O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in a man who walks to direct his own steps.”  ~Jeremiah 10:23

And after much walking (and if we’re being honest, much repenting along the way) you eventually begin to see glimpses of beautiful new territory coming into view?  Vision begins to clear and it seems that every step brings you closer to something which (in its own unique way) is so much better than where you were previously living/heading?

Anybody else??

photo by Kevin Tuck

Why is it only when we start to see the pieces fitting together that we suddenly have a revelation of God’s presence in all of what just transpired!   It’s as though the fog finally lifts, and you suddenly realize you were not alone on the journey but had a steady and faithful companion even during the hardest of times.

Moreover, you begin to recognize that some of the skills developed and lessons learned during your desert walk have equipped you with knowledge you didn’t previously have so that now you are able to act wisely in this ‘new land’ you are heading towards. And you raise your hands and thank God for the desert walk that has led you to this new land!

I’m 55 years old, and have gone through this ‘processes’ dozens of times … you would think I would be quicker on the uptake by now!

God is FAITHFUL! He will NOT abandon the work of His hands! And when you find yourself in a desert place (be it the result of your own wanderings, or by divine assignment) … keep your eyes on the horizon, because new territory is dead ahead.  Keep your eyes fixed on Him.  Keep putting one foot in front of another.  He is faithful to walk you through the desert places of life to the other side!

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].”   ~Proverbs 3:5-6 (Amplified)

[This writing was actually something I shared on Facebook several years ago.  FB kindly reminded me of it this morning, and I thought it good enough (after a few updates) to share again.  I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.]