Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord And whose trust is the Lord. -Jeremiah 17:7 (NASB)

Another year, another step through the desert.

After severe bondage in Egypt, God used Moses and Aaron to free His chosen people by His mighty power. But the Israelites were immediately faced with a new challenge of faith: a long desert season.

On foot, the journey to the Promised Land should’ve taken about two weeks. But ultimately, the Israelites’ lack of faith condemned them to wander in the desert for forty years.

But that long season was not only a trial of faith, but the culling of disobedience. The old flesh ways and faithlessness were left there before entering the Promised Land.

If you’re in the long, dry desert, know that the Promised Land is ahead…but before God will lead you there, reassess what parts of you might need to die to self. In what ways might you still serve your flesh and self, rather than Him?

While in the desert, continue praying and believing, and never forget that God is faithful and right there, leading you if you seek Him. As surely as the God of Israel lives, He blesses you with strength and comfort and nourishment through this time…and is preparing you for the next level.

Today’s soundtrack

“O My Soul” by Casting Crowns reassures us that God is with us through the valleys.

Third Day’s “Trust In Jesus” reminds us of what we do while we walk and wait in this world.