But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea.
–Exodus 13:18
Have you ever experienced times of spiritual drought in your life? Most of us have at some time, and it’s not unusual to feel like you’re stuck and getting nowhere fast. Well, I think this is probably just how the children of Israel felt when Moses was leading them toward the Promised Land.
The Scripture says God “led the people around by the way of the wilderness,” but truthfully, they were going around in circles much of that time. But don’t think of this as some kind of exercise in futility or punishment. This was God leading his people according to his specific purposes! You see, there are certain lessons that can only be learned in the desert. And there are no shortcuts to spiritual growth and maturity.
Now, you and I need to remember that the Israelites journey through the wilderness is illustrative of our journey with God. And in his wisdom, God may take us on an extended journey through the wilderness to test us, to mature us, to prepare us, or to strengthen us for those things that we’ll face down the road.
If you are in the wilderness, keep your eyes on him. Trust that God is working on your behalf to prepare you for all that he has promised.
THERE ARE CERTAIN LESSONS THAT CAN ONLY BE LEARNED IN THE DESERT.
