A dear friend sent me an excerpt from a book that provided a rather entertaining puzzle to think on. The author of the book was describing the periods in our lives that feel like we are in the wilderness, spiritually. He said something we don't like to hear and yet is so perfectly true. "The wilderness is a hard place. But it's as crucial for our lives as it is painful. While the desert season feels terribly wrong, and loneliness and despair may seem to reign, God is with you and He desires to use the wilderness for your eternal good." He then listed 6 tips survival experts give for those stranded in the wilderness along with the statement, "As you will see, the secrets for surviving in a physical wilderness bear striking parallel to those for surviving a spiritual one:
Survival Tip #1 - Don't Panic
Survival Tip #2 - Assess Your Situation
Survival Tip #3 - Find Shelter
Survival Tip #4 - Build a Fire
Survival Tip #5 - Drink Water
Survival Tip #6 - Find Nourishment"
My challenge to you, dear reader is this: While tips 1 and 2 need no parallel to apply to a spiritual journey through the wilderness, what about tips 3 thru 6?
Think about it.......where do we find spiritual shelter? What does literal fire provide and where would we find the spiritual equivalent to those things? Where do we find spiritual water? And lastly, where do we find spiritual nourishment?
If we can ponder and answer these questions, maybe it will make enough of an impression on our hearts as to remember these tips when we start feeling like we are in the desert.
I would love to get your thoughts on how this list would apply to those of us who desire our walk thru the spiritual wilderness to be one of victory. I will share MY thoughts regarding the list, on Monday.
Until then, I pray that as you go thru the weekend, you are able to find peace and rest in our Lord's incredible love and grace. You are a treasure to Him, never forget that!
"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame."
Isaiah 58:11
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