How Time Alone in the Desert Impacts Our Faith
I barely made it through the front door. The tears welling up on the drive from work began to slide down my cheeks the moment I crossed the threshold and closed the door behind me.
Through watery eyes, I looked around this place.
This place I’m supposed to call home. But it was void of anything that resembles home.
Home is where your people are; your family and your friends.
But there is no one here. Not my children or my mom. Not my friends or even my dog. No one.
Nada. Zippo.
Each night I come “home” to an empty place that does not house my children or hold my memories. There are no voices or footsteps. No chatter of friends gathering. And the dining room table is always set for one.
Three months prior to that night I was transferred to a new city on the other side of the state.
Faking bravery, I packed up my things and drove away from my family, my friends, my church, and worst of all, my young-adult children and the home we shared together.
It was more than my heart could bear, and that night it all came crashing down around me.
Feeling completely and utterly alone, I collapsed on the sofa and wept.
The ache to be home with my children immobilized my heart in a place of aloneness .
Eventually, I made it to my knees. Why, God? Why?
Why did you bring me to this place of isolation? This desert. I am hurting, Lord; I can’t do this.
Please God, I want to go home.
His whispers grabbed my heart. I am with you, and I am with your children. Fix your eyes on Me.
For months I had felt isolated. Alone. Lacking purpose. That night I was reminded of the Israelites wandering in the desert. And I decided God was allowing me to have my very own little desert experience.
The Israelites had to rely on God to provide their most basic need – food. Manna from heaven. They could not sow and reap, or hunt game. In the desert, they could not live independent of God. (Exodus 16)
And just to be sure they understood He was their sole provider while they wandered in the desert, He didn’t dole out a month’s worth of manna. No, daily they had to rely on Him. And daily He provided.
In this desert season, God is leading me to more fully trust Him to provide manna for my soul during the messy moments of life.
I live on a lake in the new city and my back patio faces west. The post picture is one of the incredible sunsets God provides most evenings.
And just like the best sunsets require clouds, many times wisdom and blessings come through trials.
James tells us to count it as pure joy when we go through trials for it is there that we have a divine encounter with God that transforms us.
“Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV
Trials perfect our faith. They provide opportunity to grow by turning hardships into learnings and ultimately into joy.
So through every lost job and every broken relationship. Through every dreaded diagnosis and every child gone astray.
For every desert moment of our lives, God is there waiting to provide.
We need only come to Him. Daily. And take our portion of manna. And daily He will joyfully provide, in full measure, exactly what we need for that day.
I think I needed to be in the wilderness; just God and me. Stripped of every distraction. In the desert, I can see Him more clearly and hear His heart speak deeply to mine.
I talked with God, walked with God, prayed to God, knelt down before God, laughed with God, and cried with God during this desert time more fervently than ever before.
Sometimes you turn a corner on your faith journey.
A corner where God reveals Himself to you in such a profound way, you’ll never need to circle back and re-learn that revelation again.
He took my hand and led me around another corner that night. Revealing His heart, growing my faith, and unfolding His plan.
And in that moment I knew I could face anything as long as I stayed tethered to Him.
I’ve been in this desert for nine months now and I’ve made a couple new friends. Of course, my heart still longs to live closer to my children. And I still flutter between both homes feeling a bit home-less at times. So no, I’m not glowing like Moses… I still need to take my portion every day.
And He shows up in the sunset outside my back patio to remind me He is with me in the desert; through the trials. Reminding me that one day we will be in our true home. Our Eden.
Where there are no deserts and no trials. And where it just might not require clouds to create a glorious sunset!
Ponder
So many of life’s trials can make us feel alone in the desert. But God is with you! He is waiting for you to slip your hand in His and allow Him to lead you around the corners in the wilderness. Please share your trials and triumphs in the comments. Our lives are a testimony and a healing balm for others.
Practice
A Truth: “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10 NIV
A Song: There Will Be A Day by Jeremy Camps (click to listen)
A Read: When God Doesn’t Fix It: Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn, Truths You Can’t Live Without, By Laura Story
A Prayer: Father, I am so grateful You are here with me in the desert. I know I am not alone in this place of aloneness. Thank you for taking me around the next corner of my faith journey. For growing my trust. Please continue to have the trials of this life prompt me to chase hard after You. That is the learning You have put on my heart. A learning that has now become a yearning to know You better and love You deeper. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Here’s where I’m sharing my post.
How Time Alone in the Desert Impacts Our Faith
Dear Pam-
Thank you for showing up today. So many points you made grabbed my attention. The one that stuck out most was how daily in the desert we are dependent on Him for manna. I am grateful that each day is new. I am grateful for the manna and I want to be wise in taking only what is needed and that takes lots of trust because I don’t really know what is needed but I do know that he has gone before me and that shows He is completely trust worthy. I thank you for being faithful in freely giving and I pray that He freely gives to you as you continue to glorify Him.
He’s still working on me,
Jess
He’s still working on all of us, Jess. And that is so comforting for me. Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Sharing my trials and triumphs: After 22 years of a marriage, 5 years of healing from that relationship, I’m in a place where God has removed all distractions. I am in a place I have never been before, quite still. Where all that I’ve tried to fix and figure out have failed. I sit still. Waiting, knowing God’s got this.
Hello, Vykky! It can be a bit strange and even frightening at first, but yes, He’s got this! So glad you found the strength to let go of trying to figure it all out on your own. Sounds like you will be having some fruitful time in the desert. Blessings to you in your journey!
Praise His precious name for anointing you to share in such a way that impacts, moves and effects. Thank you for making your writing available for all of us to freely read.
Blessed to have made such a DIVINE connection
in His service
Brandon
Thanks so much for the kind words, Brandon.
Thank you for those timely words of truth and wisdom. I am in my own desert period. After reading this blog post the daily manna doesn’t taste so bad after all. Thankful for God’s presence and daily provision and the perfect conditions to seek Him for everything. Thank you, Pam, for the reminder.
Steve
It’s these desert times that can reassure us we are His and we are not alone! Thank you for your friendship during this particular desert moment of mine. You are a blessing.
Pam,
Your words touched me. Your reminder to us all that we are not alone. God is always by our side even when we feel all alone and down. When we feel hopeless, he gives us a nudge to remind us that he is beside us. It may have taken me a while to read this but I always say that God knows when it is the perfect time. Today was the perfect time for me. I have been praying to find that passion to read more. Also, you are not alone. I am a phone call away! God Bless you always!
Moira, your kind, sweet words always bless me. I’m so glad this came at the perfect time for you. He is the author of time, so it stands to reason! Love you!!
You know I’m learning to appreciate the intense heat of the desert times because I always know there is a reward, a lesson or insight following. This is really beautiful and profound encouragement because those times come more often than any of us would like. Really love your writing Pam! Crystal
I love your mention of “intense heat”, Crystal! So fitting, wish I would have thought of it LOL. Thanks so much for visiting, my friend.
I love this post just as I love ALL of your posts, Pam! I am so sorry for this desert season and I admire your strength to keep your heart open and pliable before God, giving Him room to do His mighty work. I’m thankful for lessons and revelation that are so intense that you know you will not have to relearn them. Your words encourage and inspire me, friend. Thank you so much for joining me again this week at #MomentsofHope. You are a blessing!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
I love your word “pliable”, Lori. We can get so stuck in our need to control our situations and outcomes that we become resistant to God’s leading. But whenever we give Him the remote control, we see another glimpse of His picture! Blessed to join you at #MomentsOfHope
Thank you for sharing! This is such a beautiful witness that brought me comfort and peace. Our family is in a transition place with taking my first child to college on Wednesday. In addition, my husband is working on classes and studies to hopefully result in future employment. I’m excited for my daughter, but I’m also scared and worried about her. I’m going to miss her and I hate that her room in our home and her seat at the kitchen table will be empty. My husband struggles with balancing his “work” with family and other responsibilities. I’ve been spending a lot of evenings alone while he’s up in his office studying until late into the night. Thank you Pam for reminding me that God has always been and will continue to be with me and my family. I need to lean hard into Him and trust His provisions and protection!
So glad this brought you some comfort today, my friend. I know it’s been quite the desert season for you as well. God is with you! And God will be with your daughter as she heads off to college. The fight is on our knees and God always wins!
What a great post! I love the wisdom you shared: “And daily He will joyfully provide, in full measure, exactly what we need for that day.” If we can truly just believe this how much less anxiety we would have!
He’s never let me down yet!
Yes, He is faithful! Thanks so much for stopping by, Jerralea! Blessings to you in your journey.
Very encouraging post, Pam. Only an awesome
God can turn our mourning into dancing!! May He continue to be your peace, comfort & BEST FRIEND in this new part of your journey. Love & miss you girl 🙂
Hello my beautiful, friend! I MISS YOU!!! Thanks so much for the kind words. It’s been quite the journey. Such an awesome experience to dance with Him through this trial. Love you!
The low places. The lonely places. Those are the special places where God shows up, lifts up, and carries us out. He is so faithful. My heart hurts for your heart, yet is filled with joy for the beautiful truth God has inscribed upon it. You will never be alone, no matter how lonely you are. Blessings to you, friend.
Thank you, Sarah. Sometimes the learnings are easy, sometimes not. But they are always good and pleasing to Him. So … we press on. Love your posts, by the way. He’s using you in such a lovely way. Blessings to you in your journey!
By the way, that really is a beautiful sunset. I bet you’ll miss it when you’re gone so enjoy it now. 🙂
You’re probably right! You won’t believe how many pictures of it I have.
Pam, I’m glad that you’ve already received such sweet encouragement from other commenters. More importantly, I’m heartened that you see the desert for what it is — a place for God to display His glory. It’s never easy when we go through it but we all need those desert moments. I’ve certainly found in my life that I come out stronger on the other end. I believe you will too because you are looking to Him to meet your daily needs and He never, ever disappoints.
Wishing you blessings!
Thank you, Marva. It is well with my soul even though it’s difficult. Comments such as yours make it so.
I am sometimes feel like I am in a desert. I desire to have a better job and to move away from home. But I have been here for a well and I miss being around my sister and my cousins. I continually allowing God to minister to me about my purpose here. I am committed to allowing God to direct my life because whatever plan He has is the right one!
Amen, Lanae! He is always working, behind the scenes. We have to trust it’s for our good even when we can’t see what He’s up to. Keep walking where He leads; it won’t be a dead end.
Visiting here from #TellHisStory, and I love how the Lord met with you in the desert. I’m also learning more about trusting Him in the hard places as I walk thru Chronic Illness. The Scriptures and songs you shared are so good! May the Lord continue to hold you through these times!
Thanks so much for visiting. Our struggles are real, but He’s using them! We simply need to be continual learners. Blessings to you as you walk this difficult journey, Bettie. He is with you!
Love this!
Visiting from #IntentionalTuesday
Beautifully written Pam. Glad to read you sharing your lessons learned from a most difficult trial. That scripture in 1 Peter is one I have committed to memory. God is using this time to mold and refine you for the plans He has for you. He will provide you with everything thing you need. I will add you and your family to my prayer list. May God give you grant you peace through these trials. Keep your eyes on Him and may God continue to richly bless you and yours!
You are so faithful with your encouragement, Horace. You’re a blessing to me. I just dropped by your page…Happy Birthday!!!
Isn’t it comforting to heed the words in Deuteronomy “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Thinking of you!
Yes, yes, and yes! I could not have survived this change without His grace and presence. Thanks so much for your kindness and support.