If you could choose anywhere to live, would you select the desert? Would you build your dream house—your place of residence—in the middle of the desert, miles from civilization, where the weather is cruel and the isolation painful? I highly doubt you would dwell in a place like this by choice. However, sometimes, along life’s journey—not by choice, but by circumstance—the desert becomes our home.
Years ago, I found myself wandering in the desert—a desert that was longer and harder than any I had ever experienced. Perhaps you’ve been there, too. If we were to describe it, we might use words like: lonely, hot, sticky and long. Hence, it often looks like there is no end in sight. Emotionally, you’re drained! Physically, you’re weak! Spiritually, you’ve hit rock bottom! Consequently, life is not good. With days turning into weeks, you begin to think that the desert will forever be your home.
I’m convinced we all know what the desert feels like to some degree or another. I’m also thoroughly convinced that there are degrees in our desert experiences. Some of them are deeper and more painful than others. Sometimes it feels like a bottomless pit that never ends. Do you want to hear the good news? God has a plan and a purpose for every season of our life— whether we are on top of the mountain, screaming with delight—or deep down in the valley, moaning in despair.
Not coincidentally, the Bible is filled with desert experiences. The nation of Israel lived in the desert for forty years. Before David usurped the throne, the cave was his place of residence. On his way to freedom, Joseph was thrown in prison. Job, described as a man of God, lost everything important to him. The Apostle Paul knew firsthand what loneliness, hunger, pain and suffering was like. And Jesus walked in the desert for forty days. In the Book of Hebrews we read, “…Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground” Hebrews 11:35-38.
The best part is that Hebrews 11 doesn’t end on such a bleak note. Listen to what Hebrews 11:40 says: “God had planned something better….” Indeed He did! So, why did God choose for His beloved people to wander in the desert? Why did He choose such a hard and difficult road? Well, I would like to take you on a journey with God’s people through the wilderness for the next several months. Not only will we examine the life and times of the Israelites’ forty-year desert excursions, but we will also travel with other men and women of God who seemed to have difficulties along life’s pathway. I’m convinced that this study will inspire you, encourage you, and give you hope during your own desert experience.
I hope you’re excited for this adventure we are about to embark upon. It should be rewarding for all of us.
Blessings,
I will be following ! Also sharing with my Sister who has ALS !!!! Thank you so much for all your words of wisdom and dedication to sharing The Word ! Joyfully in Jesus’ Love, Tracy Gillen
I can not wait to begin this series!
Looking forward to it and twice a week is doable for me.
I’m looking forward to doing this study with you.
Do we just follow the topic, read the bible, and respond to questions? Will we interact with others?
Cindy, I’ll post the lessons and you answer them yourself. We can have discussion on the blog itself but only if people write comments. I will suggest that. Thanks for asking.
It seems I’m in my own wilderness-one from which many weeks of doctors visits has been able to lead me out of. I pray that this study will aide me in finding grace to bear this this until I’m delivered from these problems. Thanks for being God’s beacon for us.
Carolyn, I am headed to boson on wed beginning the journey you are describing. I don’t know how you have made it this far but I will pray that your challenges are resolved so you can enjoy the life God wishes for you. I fear I am not as strong as you.
“God had planned something better…”‘
I love that! Can’t wait to start on this journey with you, Sheryl! ❤️
Thank you so much Sheryl for your dedication to share God’s Word. You have been such an encouragement to me. My husband/soulmate/best friend/pastor and so much more went to Heaven 3 years ago. I have walked a very long, painful, heartbreaking path through the desert. I am so thankful that Jesus has walked every step with me. I am looking forward to this Bible Study. You do such an Awesome job preparing these studies. I don’t take it for granted as I have experienced how much time & prayer that it requires. You will be richly rewarded one day by our Heavenly Father 👏👍❤️
God bless you, Nellie. I’m so very sorry about your husband. I can’t imagine the pain. But, thankful that we found each other. You encourage me, too. And thank you for your kind words. Have a blessed weekend.
Sheryl,
It has been a crazy, busy Summer, and I have begun to notice that I am hugry for one of your Studies. For years, we have been connected through your writings, and they have always been such a powerful Road Map for me. So. here I am back again sitting at The Feet of Jesus with you, anticipating the greater things to be my reward and my experience. I will work hard at catching up.
Blessing, my Precious Sister, my very Sweet Gift from Our Heavenly Father.
Love and Hugs,
Elsie