Walking in the Wild

Being in the wilderness is standing in the place between getting the promises of God and the promise land itself. It's the gap between what you can do, and what God can do. It's being segregated, set apart, so that it's just you and the Lord.

I have found myself in a wilderness season of waiting these last few months. It's an uncomfortable season to say the least. And if I'm going to be truly transparent, I haven't loved it. Waiting on its own is hard. But to add the wilderness on top of it, woo buddy it's been rough. It wasn't until I sat down and really looked at what being in the wilderness means that I began to enjoy myself.

So what does it mean? What is it for?

Being in the wilderness is standing in the place between getting the promises of God and the promise land itself. It's the gap between what you can do, and what God can do. It's being segregated, set apart, so that it's just you and the Lord. It's full of struggles and its hard. It's there that we are tempted and tried. We're laid bare, open, vulnerable, and its required that we be transparent and honest. It's in the wilderness that we truly learn the power of our God and who He is.

While it can be hard, it's also a beautiful place to be. It's a place where God can reveal Himself in new ways. Where we can learn more of who God is, what He wants for us, and His love. In the wilderness we have to rely on God to sustain us, which cultivates a new place of faith and trust. We must seek Him every day to get food and water for our spirit because all around us will be dryness. God places us there intentionally so that we have to rely on Him alone. And while He is showing us more of who He is, He's also showing us our own hearts. He's changing how we walk and who we are by making a place for us to be alone together with Him.

I know in some ways, that may almost seem mean, selfish. When God put me here, I'll be honest, I got mad. I cried and told Him how mean it felt and unfair it seemed. It felt lonely and harsh. Again, being transparent here, I was angry with Him and I let Him know. (Thanfully He's such a good father that was met with nothing less than grace and love. You rock big papa ♡)

But after I threw my little fit and did a little rebelling (sorry Jesus), I realised something. THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE wanted alone time with little ol me. ME. I'm nothing special, I'm just a little woman trying to make my way in a big world. But He wanted to know ME better. And He wanted me to know HIM better. What!? No one has ever wanted me like that. No one has ever loved me like that! That's an honor and a blessing! Why would I get mad at that?

When I changed my perspective and realized this, my world was flipped upside down. I didn't need to feel alone because the one who loved me most was walking with me. I didn't need to worry about the struggles because the one who provides was handing out blessings. I didn't need to carry the burden of the trials because the one who faced the greatest trial was standing by my side. All that time I spent being frustrated God was still covering me and trying to reveal Himself. (He really is so good to us.)

A wilderness season isn't a punishment or a test. It's the love of God being poured out in a new, beautiful way. It's almost romantic to have Him want you all to Himself for a while. (God is very romantic btw. I mean as a woman, isn't that what we want? To be sought after and wanted to such a degree?) It's God's way of teaching us, molding us, renewing us, and getting closer to us. That's a stunning picture!

If we're willing to let go of our comfort zone and let God guide us, we'll walk right into our promise land with a fresh understanding of our Papa, and a brand new heart of our own. I know that it can be a tough season, but just remember who walks with you. Get up every day and seek the will of God. Ask Him what He wants to teach you about Himself and who you are. Utilize that time, don't take it for granted. It's the best place to know Him. And on the other side you'll find your greatest blessings.

So I'm choosing to walk the rest of this season with grace and faith. Some days I may only have baby faith. Some days maybe faith. But I know at the end of this, I'll be in crazy faith. And I'll know my God like no other. My promise land will be worth the wait and the relationship I have with God will be stronger. That's worth it. He is worth it. And you know what? I'm worth it. With God, the wilderness isn't so bad even when it's hard ♡ and now, I'm just thankful to be walking hand in hand with my God, wherever we may go ♡