Several times in my life, God allowed me to wait in the desert. Some may ask, “Why would God make someone go through something like that?”. I believe there is a different reason for everyone as to why God makes them wait through the desert. For me, it was to strengthen my faith and help me to really draw near to Jesus. I also believe that everyone experiences different time frames of how long they have to wait. For me, it was just over four years. In those four years, I prayed and prayed and my faith was tested. I felt hopeless and ashamed for what my life had become. I experienced some of the most horrific hurt and betrayal of my entire life within those four years and I felt like God had forgotten me. Then, one day it happened. God came through and all those years of praying had all become worth it. I was watching God work right before my eyes and even though I knew He was capable of doing everything I was seeing, I still stood in shock and could not believe that he remembered little me. I thought he had left me but I was wrong. Instead, he needed me to give up the control and give Him the room to be God. I had realized that the waiting taught me so much about God and who He is and how His timing is better than my own. His ways are so much better than mine. He restored and redeemed in such a powerful way. Better than anything I could have dreamed up or imagined. He fulfilled every single promise He had made to me. I experienced love like I had never known and learned that good things really do come to those who wait. I am not sure what desert you are waiting in right now or how long you have been there waiting. I do want to encourage you that God has not forgotten you and he desires to be close with you even through the trials in life. Take your brokenness, hurt, shame and guilt to the feet of Jesus and allow him to comfort and hold you through the test. Cling to the truth that God loves you and His ways are better than your own. His timing is better than your own. God can take that very brokenness and put each and every piece back together. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus as you wait and know you are not alone but He is working and moving each moment you wait and He sees you. I want to encourage you today to take a look at the desert you are in and ask yourself what God may be trying to teach you as you wait. Talk with him and share with him your heart and your desires. Do not be afraid to come to him with your frustration and fears because God loves you and he understands every emotion you are feeling. He loves you even when he calls you to wait in the desert.
“Those who wait on the Lord shall find renewed strength. They will mount up like the wings of eagles, run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage.” Psalm 27:14
“Rejoice in hope. Be patient in tribulations and steadfast in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Jesus Driven Mama 