Waiting in the Wilderness

But they are your people, your inheritance, whom you brought out by your great power and outstretched arm.

 Deuteronomy 9:29 CSB

How long was your longest wilderness? A time when you walked on and on without seeing an end, an answer. Perhaps you are still there now. Have you asked God what He was up to in the midst of this wilderness?

I remember many desert seasons, lasting from a few weeks to years! Often, I did not know how, when, or IF they would end. During one experience, one morning, I felt as though God clearly said to me: You only want an answer, a resolution. You’ve forgotten about growing your relationship with me.

NAILED! You’ve heard of wake-up calls? This one was a direct hit into my heart. I began to use this hard season to get to know the Lord more deeply. My daily prayer was, "Teach me to know you more by tonight than I knew you this morning. Show me what you want to teach me through this journey that will impact the next assignment you have for me."

In Deuteronomy 8-9, we see God used the Israelites’ wilderness journey to humble them, show them His provision, and help them learn to feed on His truth (8:3). He tested them (8:16). He taught them to have no other gods but Him (8:19).

Why did God do this? Israel belonged to God, who had brought them out of Egypt as enslaved people to know Him and obey Him (9:29). He used their 40-year wilderness trek to prepare them to enter Canaan.

If you are waiting in the wilderness, understand that He wants you to know Him more deeply as you wait for Him to act. And He is preparing you for your next assignment.

Jesus, remind me you have a purpose in the wait. You want me to know you more as you teach me to trust your work in this season.  

Chris Adams