Sometimes I feel stuck in the mud. I’m running toward a destination, but I’m not going anywhere. It feels like nothing changes. I find myself asking, “God, where are You in this situation?” I don’t feel like I get any answers.
Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt to spend 40 years wandering in the desert. They did a lot of complaining, a lot of questioning and even wishing they were back in Egypt. Yet, God was there providing for them every step of the way. They just needed to pause and notice. I’m sure they were wondering why nothing changes.
9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 NIV).
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV).
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV).
We find ourselves wondering why we still struggle with finances, why our marriage is struggling, why our health isn’t improving and so much more. We know God is in the midst of it, why aren’t the circumstances changing?
I have to pause and ask myself if there is something I am doing that is keeping me in this place. How is my anger, bitterness and resentment getting in the way? Who am I not listening to? Am I letting the tapes that play inside my head control my negative thoughts?
It’s time to refocus. We can’t get lost in what isn’t happening, but focus on what is. We can look or the small changes such as the food from heaven the Israelites received. I may not have exactly what I was expecting, but I do have more than I did before. I need to focus on and celebrate the small gifts God is giving me as I continue to work towards the expectation, and dig into my role in making the change happen.
It is easy to blame God when nothing changes, but the truth is that He is the constant. I’m the one that needs to change. It may be within my heart, how I see God, difficult relationships, misunderstandings, or my need to lean in closer to Him. By refocusing my thoughts, I can open my heart to hear the change God is calling me to enter into. I know I don’t want to miss it.
Are you stuck in the desert? What is holding you there? How can you refocus on God to begin moving forward? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.