On the Fourth of July, I took a hike from my parents’ house to a familiar place with a beautiful view. As I walked I noticed the ground was cracked, the surroundings were parched, and there was no beauty on the journey. But I had to go through this ‘desert’ to get to the spot with the splendid view.
In a few hours, after a summer of plenty, I’ll enter another desert. God doesn’t hesitate to let his children walk on cracked ground. Though he often makes us lie down in green pastures, parched surroundings also work into his plans. And the enemy tempts us mightily in these difficult places. So we pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” But what if we’re led into the desert? Oh for an unconditional trust in the One who knows the past and future! Once God led his children into the desert because he knew they weren’t ready to face a fiercer enemy. “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea.” (Exodus 13:17-18)
Of course when we don’t completely trust, a natural human tendency quickly emerges: complaining. “So the people grumbled…” “In the desert the whole community grumbled…” “So they quarreled with Moses and said, ‘Give us water to drink.’” God is not telling us to be pretentious or dishonest. There is nothing wrong in saying, “Lord, I could really use a cool cup of water about now. Would you tell me where to find one?” But we must leave the answers (and timing) to him. Does he not know what we need even before we ask? When his wise ways don’t line up with our plans, we must avoid the complaining mode. In the Father’s eyes, such an attitude translates into unbelief (read Psalm 78 for a quick review). When we complain and grumble we’re not keeping in mind what God has done in the past; we’re not remembering his infinite love toward us; and we’re not trusting he is able to bring us through the darkness into wonderful light.
Praise in the desert must bring a smile to the Father’s face. “We’re not spoiled children who only love you when our bellies are full and everything is going well. No, our hearts will always be loyal for we know who you are! You’ve given your Son to provide the way to you and you’ve given your Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen us. So we will praise you in the storm and trust your grace to be sufficient.”
As always, Jesus is the example. He was led by the Spirit into the desert and was tempted by the evil one. Though he was weak in the flesh, he lived on the Word of God and even Satan could not pierce his armor. These forty days were not easy… but they weren’t supposed to be. So if we are sons and daughters of God, why should we be surprised by difficult seasons? “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit…” And if we are sons and daughters of God, why should we be surprised by victorious conclusions?
As usual, I am preaching to myself… so if you hear any grumbling or faithlessness on my part, just smack me and remind me to practice what I preach. Susan will probably send periodic e-mails to share the fun we’re having. I’ll write when I can. We’re thankful for all your prayers and kindness.
“Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.” Isaiah 50:10