Surviving the Wilderness

The study of Exodus has raised some thoughts about how we all handle the wilderness we are in. The children of Israel certainly had their struggles. Their experiences are lessons from which we can all learn. Several key lessons can give us an “ABC” outline for surviving our wilderness experiences.

An Attitude of Gratitude is important for surviving the wilderness. Attitude changes our outlook and can determine if we are on top of our circumstances or if our circumstances are on top of us. The Israelites had much to be thankful for and reasons to look up. They had the pillar of cloud and fire and the promises of God in the distance. But when they looked at the desert around them they got discouraged and complained. Complaining led to division and rebellion which always brought discipline from God.

The Behavior of a Believer is also important for surviving the wilderness. We need to act like we believe in the promises to which we are going. The Israelites often gave up and behaved badly. Our faith should lead us to follow God and to enjoy both His fellowship and the fellowship of others who are also following Him in the way. We are on this road together. We have a happy destination to reach. Our behavior on the road should reflect the destination and the direction of the One we follow.

The Cup of Contentment important for surviving the wilderness. We supply the cup and God supplies the contentment. He gave the Israelites everything they needed for the journey including manna, water, and clothes that never wore out. But, if our cup is already full of complaints, expectations, or anything else we put in it, there will be no room for the contentment God is waiting to pour into our cup, no matter how much He pours out. If we empty our cup of all the things we put there and hold it up to God He will fill it. Then we will understand why He called us to this place. He calls us to the place where He is. He calls us to follow Him to the other side of the wilderness where we will find the Promised Land.
Let’s all go there together.
Bro. Robin