Grace in the Desert

I have wandered in the desert… And it wasn’t merely a stroll. It was a long, hearty trail. And it took a few years.

My desert began when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, which was quickly followed by a break up with my high school sweetheart who I had dated for 5.5 years, and then topped-off by turmoil within my immediate family. There were times when I felt like I was living a nightmare… one from which I could not awaken. There were times I felt like I was drowning in my grief and tears. There were times when I simply wanted to give up. More than anything: I was needy, vulnerable and desperate in the desert.

But Jesus Christ found me there. He lifted my weary head, saved my life, and restored my soul. In hindsight, I know that I would not have seen all of this grace if it weren’t for that desert.

Still, I pleaded with Him every day to lead me out of the desert. He didn’t oblige. He simply said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

So I grew accustomed to the desert. I “stretched out my tent” and I “lengthened my cords and strengthened my stakes” (Isaiah 54:2) because the Lord promised me that He would dwell with me and that He would never leave me or forsake me, even in the desert.

And now I’m so grateful for the desert, because I had nowhere else to turn but to the Lord, the God of all grace. It was in that dry and weary land that I was able to recognize just how real He is—which is the greatest gift of all.

So, my friend, if you’re in the desert during this season, I think God would want you to know that despite what it feels like, you’re not alone. He is there with you. Call upon His name, open His Word, and invite Him into your hurting heart. If you do that, you will also behold sweet things that are only found within your desert.
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Struggling in this season? Check out My God in the Darkness and Grit Without a Hard Heart.