As I began writing about the spiritual seasons of our lives, I quickly found the four seasons; Growing, Pruning, The Wilderness and the Harvest. However, as I was writing, the order changed. I quickly could see how the Growing Season leads to Pruning which leads to the Harvest. But what about the Wilderness Season?
I thought about skipping it altogether. Then, God lead me to the definition of harvest, “a process of gathering.” That is when I knew where the wilderness season belonged.
If you missed the prior weeks, here are the links so you can catch up;
As soon as I read the definition of harvest, “a process of gathering,” I immediately thought of the Israelites gathering manna in the wilderness. Their season here was long. But it is in the wilderness where we learn the most important lessons.
Often, God leads us into a fruitful and abundant season in our lives, only to find ourselves in the wilderness. It sounds contradictory, but look back over your own life. The purpose is to teach us new lessons which deepens our relationship with God.
One of the most important lessons in the wilderness comes from Exodus 13:21-22 NASB which reads, “And the Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. 22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from the presence of the people.”
God goes before us, leads us on our way, and gives us light, promising to never leave us nor forsake us. If you feel abandoned or alone, this should give you comfort, peace and hope. God gave the Israelites a visible sign by day and night. Although, we may not have a visible sign, we have that peace that transcends all understanding. We can use this to strengthen our own faith in God. When we think we have nothing else, we always have God. This is an important foundation to stand on. It often takes a “wilderness” experience to discover it.
The second lesson comes from Exodus 16:15-17, ”
Moses said to them, “It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat. 16 This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Everyone is to gather as much as they need. Take an omer for each person you have in your tent.’”
17 The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. 18 And when they measured it by the omer, the one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little. Everyone had gathered just as much as they needed.”
The Israelites are instructed to gather each day this bread from heaven. However, if we go back to verse 4 of that same chapter, we discover the reason. It reads, “ Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.”
God goes with them, providing for them, but is also testing them to see if they will obey. This is a strengthening. Through our own lessons in life, God is always strengthening our faith in Him.
“Trust and Obey for there is no other way…”
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, we will do another type of gather. As we gather around our own tables, giving thanks to God for what He has given to us, I hope we will take time to reflect on our own wilderness season. We have gathered our manna for the day. We have received the Bread from Heaven, Jesus. Now let us give thanks for all the goodness.
Let us pray;
Great Giver of all goodness, thank you for the manna you provide for us each and every day. Thank you that you gave us the True Bread from Heaven in your son Jesus Christ. May we remain in a perpetual state of gratefulness. Amen.
P.S. Next week, we will finish up this spiritual seasons series, as we discover the True Bread from Heaven, which God has given us. Perfect timing, as we prepare our hearts for Advent. Don’t forget to leave me a comment below and tell me about the lessons your have learned or what you are thankful for. Forward this message to a friend and ask them to subscribe to my website. Post of Facebook and tag me in it. Until next time, just know, I am thankful for you! -M
One thought on “The Wilderness Season”
Much food for thought – just enough! Love you