ARE YOU IN A WILDERNESS, Pt 5, No. 517
ARE YOU IN A WILDERNESS?
Part 5
“Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness,
leaning on her beloved?”
(Song of Songs 8:5).
Today we complete the 27 surprises about how God is with us in our wilderness times.
- GOD TEACHES US TO OVERCOME IN THE WILDERNESS
Jesus won the victory over Satan in the wilderness and came forth to minister in the power of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 4:1-11) Notice that the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. He was not out of God’s will but in the very center of His will while in that desert.
- GOD RELEASES JOY AND SINGING IN THE WILDERNESS
You don’t have to lose your joy in your wilderness experience.
Isaiah 51:3: “He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD: joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.” Read also Isaiah 32:5, 6.
Instead of giving into the gloom of your situation, step out in faith and sing. Praise the Lord. Thank Him that He is with you in your wilderness. Rejoice in His faithfulness.
- WE LOSE OUR LURE FOR WORLDLY THINGS IN THE WILDERNESS
After being in the wilderness for 40 years, Moses went back into the pride and wealth of Egypt, but it had no hold upon him.
Hebrews 11:24-26 states: “By faith Moses, when he was come to yeas refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt, for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.”
- WE LEARN TO WALK BY FAITH IN THE WILDERNESS
Psalm 78:17: “And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness. And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust. Yea, they spake against God; they said, ‘Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?”
They did not believe God could provide for them. But God did not let them out of the desert until they learned the walk of faith. Trust God and thank Him that He is faithful in every detail of your life. And He is well able to furnish your table.
- WE LEARN TO DEPEND ON GOD IN THE WILDERNESS
What a beautiful picture we see of the bride of Christ in Song of Solomon 8:5: “Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?”
During the wilderness experience, God’s people learned to rely totally on His strength. There was no other way. Moses tried to help his people in his own strength when he killed the Egyptian, but it failed. God had to work on him for 40 years in the desert before he was ready to deliver his people from the power of Egypt.
Are you going through a difficult wilderness experience right now? Don’t despair. Remember, you are going through! There is an end! But according to your attitude to your problems you will either die (spiritually) in your wilderness or come out victorious. You will remain hurt and bitter or you will experience the sweet anointing of the presence of God upon you.
Because the children of Israel were full of unbelief, grumbled, and complained about their hardships and challenges they had to face, they all died in the wilderness. This is a great challenge to us, isn’t it? Joshua and Caleb were the only two of the generation that came out of Egypt to enter the Promised Land.
Joshua came forth to lead God’s people into battle and to take the Promised Land (Joshua 1:6-7).
Caleb came forth ready to take mountains and tackle giants (Joshua 14:6-15).
David came forth from the wilderness ready to reign over God’s people, Israel (2 Samuel 5:3)
Paul came forth from the desert of Saudi Arabia to be a mighty apostle.
How will you come through?
The wilderness is a place of miracles.
PRAYER:
“Dear faithful Father God, help me not to look at the hardships I face, but to trust You, knowing that You will bring me through. The problems I face are bigger than me, but You are bigger than the problems. I can rejoice and sing in the wilderness, knowing that it is all Your plan and You are working out the greater plan for my life. Thank You. In the name of Jesus. Amen.”
“
AFFIRMATION:
I am coming through my wilderness leaning on my Beloved.
Did you know, I am now doing a podcast for you each week called FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS w/ Nancy Campbell? I know you will be blessed and encouraged. Go to www.aboverubies.org and you’ll see the icon. Or go to http://ARPoddy.buzzsprout.com