My Time In The Wilderness

There are endless wildernesses we face during our time here on Earth.   After listening to one of Pastor Stuart’s great messages, I’ve come to recognize that I am in another one of my wildernesses.   I believe God places us in these wildernesses when he really needs to get our attention.

Six months ago I left the church that saved my life and the pastor and Grace sisters who encourage me on my walk with Jesus.   For six months I’ve searched for a new church “home” and the company of fellow Christians.  No matter where I looked, I could not find what I was looking for.   I knew that God had a reason and a plan … that there was something He wanted me to know.

Over the last few months God has put many people on my path -- all of them non-believers or otherwise non-practicing Christians.   I’ve embraced all of them … I’ve witnessed, I’ve counselled, I’ve encouraged, and I’ve even stood tall and firm when the Devil has presented himself.    

Last night God put a person on my path that does not believe in the goodness, the mercy, the grace, and the love of God.   It drained me.   At the end of our time together I felt very empty and very alone.    I felt adrift in a sea of non-believers and I was aching for fellow believers who practiced prayer, praise, and witness.    I awoke this morning wanting, needing so badly to get to church and be among believers, but I realized I didn’t know of a church that would fill the bill.   

God kept talking to me all morning .. my daily devotional was right from God and as I sat meditating on it I realized that I had just what I needed at my fingertips!    Blue Ridge View and Pastor Stuart --- on my computer!    His talk was about “The Potential for Problems”.    As I sat listening and reading and taking notes I was embraced by just what I needed and will continue to need until the end of my days on Earth --- the WORD of God spoken by a person who is passionate about God and who helps me truly understand God’s Word.    

As I listened, with tears running down my face, I realized that I have been in a wilderness and I could begin to see at least a part of God’s plan.    He has put me here to help and witness to those who do not know Him but also to show me the power of Christian fellowship.    I know know what has been missing and I trust God that my days in this wilderness will come to an end.