God, why send me into the wilderness?
It’s hard, forbidding, scary, hot,
empty of anything life-giving.
Why did I send Moses, the Israelites, John the Baptist, and My own Son Jesus?
What was in the wilderness?
Yes, but why me, God?
I really don’t like it here.
“Where do you focus on Me?”
“Where do you strain to hear My voice?”
“Where are you without human resources?”
“Where is the end of yourself?”
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
Jeremiah 29:12, NIV
In 70+ years on this earth,
my first response to the wilderness is,
“No! I don’t want to be here.”
Yet, each time I find myself in a wasteland, what am I forced to do?
“Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.” Psalm 46:12, MSG
I remember that “I am not my own, but I belong to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.” 1
I need You, seek You, and listen carefully to Your voice.
I face the truth: “I am weak, but You are strong.” 2
I face the light of the Son, and the shadows fall behind me.
I am filled with a living hope. 3
“This world is not my home, I’m just a-passin’ through.” 4
Yet, I am who You designed me to be,
And where You placed me, for Your purpose.
Who am I to question You, my Lord and my God?
Lord, keep me seeking you now, today, and every day.
When I am too distracted by the world, bring me to the wilderness.
Help me to live my life as though I am always totally dependent on Your grace and mercy.
Because, I am.
1 Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 1, Q&A 1; 2 Hymn, “:”Just a Closer Walk with Thee”;
3 1 Peter 1:3; 4 “This World Is Not My Own,” Jim Reeves
Kathleen S Evenhouse 