God’s Plan for Your Wilderness

Are you going thru a really difficult experience? Do you feel like God is not hearing your prayers? Are you feeling lost or ready to give up?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be in the wilderness. We have probably all experienced some type of wilderness in our lives. From feeling like you are in a dry, desolate place to experiencing burnout in your ministry.

God took the Israelites to the promised land by way of the wilderness. However, what should have been approximately an eleven day journey turned into one that lasted forty years. I don’t know about you – but I don’t want my wilderness to last any longer than it has to.  

And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. Deuteronomy 8:2 NKJV

Rejoice knowing you are in the place God has chosen as your testing ground! God wants to strengthen you and prepare you for the future he has planned for you. On the other side of this growth process is something great for your life!

God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the promised land. That’s the same pattern He uses in our lives today when He wants to lead us into something wonderful. (The i Factor)

Out of Egypt – Your Egypt might be a situation, a financial struggle, an unhealthy relationship, or even depression. Any type of bondage or tough situation you might find yourself in.

Through the Wilderness – A time when you feel uncertain or lost. You may feel like God has left you or doesn’t hear your prayers. This time might feel like that old saying, “you stepped out of the fire and into the frying pan”. 
(Hang on – It WILL get better)

Into the Promise – The moment that God shows you the place you are headed. This will be different for everyone but often it will feel like freedom. Your promise may be freedom from addiction, freedom from financial struggles, or freedom from a situation. Maybe your promise is physical healing, a relationship mended, or salvation for a family member. 

So, how do you get out of the wilderness?

#1. Do NOT give up. Do not let this place destroy you. This is not your end!

#2. Trust that the Lord will get you through this. God has a plan for your life. Ask Him to reveal it to you and then watch for it. It will likely come in a way you do not expect. Watch for opportunities to be placed in front of you.

#3. Realize that this is a growing experience. Humble yourself and truly seek God’s will for your life. You may not feel like you are growing but sometimes a plant must be pruned so that it can grow to its full potential. If God is removing some things from your life, don’t chase after them. Look for the new growth to start happening.

*excerpts taken from the The i Factor 7-Day Reading Plan.  To participate click on add this to my reading plan.  

To get the complete book or small group study guide see below.

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