Here is why you must embrace your time in the wilderness.

By Shawn A. Akers

At one time or another, this thought has come to most every believer’s mind. Stuck in a wilderness or in the middle of a barren desert, God’s presence seems hundreds if not thousands of miles away.

But you are not alone, and you are in good company. Moses walked where you are now walking. Whether it was God forming a plan for him to lead Israel out of Egypt or wandering 40 years waiting for the Promised Land, Moses longed for the elusive presence of his God.

Then we see Joseph, whom God gave dreams and visions of great leadership and achievement, only to have his brothers throw him into a pit and be sold into slavery. He languished for years in prison after false accusations against him, wondering if  God would ever show up.

You MUST embrace these times in your own wilderness knowing that the Lord will give you strength in your journey to spiritual maturity. And yes, it is a journey, one that involves change and a willingness to grow and learn.

And what about Job, who lost everything he had including his children, his health, possessions and even the support of his wife? Jesus himself, who spent weeks in the wilderness to face the forces of darkness?

You MUST embrace these times in your own wilderness knowing that the Lord will give you strength in your journey to spiritual maturity. And yes, it is a journey, one that involves change and a willingness to grow and learn. He’s pruning you. He wants you to stop wallowing in pity and realize He is preparing you for better things.

If there are any barriers that are keeping you from His presence or knowing Him intimately, ask God in prayer to remove them. Ask the Holy Spirit to intervene so that nothing inhibits you from emerging from your wilderness or desert knowing that God will never leave you nor forsake you.

You will never have to ask where He is in your life ever again.

And remember to do something today to rise up higher in your kingdom calling.

“God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb. 11:5).

“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Josh. 1:5)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faithproduces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (Jam. 1:2-4).

Step Out of the Boat is a ministry created by Charisma Media Content Development Editor Shawn A. Akers and dedicated to help Christ followers to become spiritual champions and come to a more intimate relationship with Jesus. With its articles, podcasts and other forms of media, Step Out of the Boat encourages Christ followers to daily reach to a higher level in their calling. Shawn is a 35-year veteran sportswriter, a published poet and he published a story about Dale Earnhardt in NASCAR Chicken Soup for the Soul. You can read his blog here. You can also listen to his podcasts, the Javelin Sports Show, on the Charisma Podcast Network.