From the Desert to the Promised Land With God
Desert experiences are no respecter of persons.
And this includes God’s people as long as we live on the earth.
But God provides in every way, in every desert we travel through. Like He did for the children of Israel.
Perhaps great loss transported us smack dab in the middle of a desert.
Maybe a job and income loss. A loved one passed away or a natural disaster took everything from us. Or the loss of a lifelong dream.
Further, we catapult into a desolate wasteland during prolonged illness of ourselves or a family member. Also during depression, traumatic circumstances, difficult relationships, and more.
God leads us from the desert to the Promised Land.
Desert experiences are no respecter of persons. But God guides us and tenderly cares for us until we come out in our promised land from Him. Share on XGod Guides Our Steps in the Desert
We often stumble and wander with no certain direction of how to navigate our wasteland. So, we need help from on High—from our compassionate God.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
God provided a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to guide the Israelites in the desert (Exodus 13). His Word will always guide our feet and path. We pray for wisdom and direction and we seek God’s face and the Scriptures.
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21 (ESV)
God Makes a Way
Our heavenly Father makes a way, carving out a path before us, even when there seems to be no way. God can do anything like moving an obstacle or mountain blocking our way to our own promised land.
Our heavenly Father makes a way, carving out a path before us, even when there seems to be no way. God can do anything like moving an obstacle or mountain blocking our way to our own promised land. Share on X
Jesus taught how faith moves mountains. (See Matthew 17:20; Mark 11:23)
The Lord parted the Red Sea for His people fleeing from the Egyptian army. And He parts seas in our situation to make a way to the other side.
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)
“A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.” Isaiah 40:3-4 (ESV)
God Nourishes Our Soul in the Desert
The Lord rains down spiritual manna from heaven when we need it most. God cares for our hungry and thirsty soul in a dry and parched land.
“You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger and brought water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and you told them to go in to possess the land that you had sworn to give them.” Nehemiah 9:15 (ESV)
God Turns Ashes to Beauty
A desert experience may leave us only holding ashes. But God works for our good in some way, making beauty from ashes. Because desert experiences grow us up in God. In the end, we are more like Christ.
A desert experience may leave us only holding ashes. But God works for our good in some way, making beauty from ashes. Because desert experiences grow us up in God. In the end, we are more like Christ. Share on X“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Look at this comforting passage:
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me…to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1 & 3 (ESV, emphasis added)
The next time you find yourself in the desert or you’re currently in one now, remember God guides your steps, makes a way, nourishes your soul, and turns ashes into beauty.
And you will come out in a better place, in your promised land from God.
Last week’s post, 5 Steps to an Unstoppable Faith.
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Your quotes from scripture certainly spoke to me today, Karen. As Danny and I walk through the desert we have before us, we are remembering that we do not have to understand God’s reasoning, but simply trust in Him in all circumstances.
Blessings always!
I like that, Martha, “we do not have to understand God’s reasoning, but simply trust in Him in all circumstances.” Amen! “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 (ESV) God bless!
Those desert experiences can be tough. But, through each moment, God is with us and providing the opportunity to be closer to Him. Blessings. 🙂
He does draw us ever closer to Him during times in the desert. Desert experiences grow us up in God. In the end, we are more like Christ.
Thank you so much for this scripture and words of encouragement. I needed this message today
You’re welcome, Linda. I love it when the Lord uses words and His Word to encourage our hearts. God bless!
Thank you for these powerful Scriptures to anchor our souls in the desert seasons. We all go through these trying times. At times I am left wondering if God abandoned me. I LOVE your reminder: “Desert experiences grow us up in God. In the end, we are more like Christ.” May we trust Him even when we don’t understand. When we remember His sacrificial love, we know He has our eternal best in mind.
Melissa, I do want to trust Him even when I don’t understand, Amen! “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will stre
Not a big fan of the heat in the desert but the scenery can be breathtaking. I think the same can be said about our time in the desert with God. Thank you for this wonderful message Karen.
Hey Yvonne, that is a good analogy about the heat and the scenery. Thankful the Lord guides us and tenderly cares for us until we come out in our promised land from Him.
I’ve been in that “desert” myself. It’s a tough place! Thank God I have my Lord walking with me.
Always, Jessica. He’s with us unto we reach our promised land.
My heavenly Father, praise You that faith does not come from the wisdom or understanding of humans but through the power of Your Spirit. As Your servant Paul preached, his words were not his wisdom, but a demonstration of Your power through him. Lord, I need Your strength to speak wise words to others so their faith will grow in You. Give me the words to share the work You have done in me with those who need hope. Like those hearing Paul, they will know faith in the Lord. Amen!
Powerful, David! Thanks for sharing!
Beauty from ashes, what an amazing image. God is faithful even when we don’t know why or what’s next. Thanks, Karen. God bless!
So true, Nancy! Thankful God makes beauty from ashes-somehow and some way. God bless.
I can’t know what my tomorrow may bring, but I sure know who holds me in His hand. Whatever comes, He’s got me and has promised to bring good from it.
Amen to that, J.D. He is with us in the desert. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 ESV
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“The next time you find yourself in the desert, remember God guides your steps, makes a way, nourishes your soul, and turns ashes into beauty.” Yes, the path through the desert may make for a difficult journey, but He provides all we need to come through. Such an encouraging post, Karen!
Thank you, Joanne. Difficult, yes, but we come out on the other side of the desert more like Christ than ever before. God bless!