*DESERT AS A PLACE OF STRENGTHENING*
`It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Psalms 119:71`
It’s easy to trust in the land of milk and honey when everything’sworking out right. When prayers get answered and problems go away and your boss likes you, faith is not hard. But the desert has a way of building strength. God is not nearly as concerned with where his people are going as who they will be when they get there.
`Joseph` is promised that he will be a great leader. Next thing he knows, he is sold into slavery and ends up in an Egyptian jail for years. He dies without ever making it to the Promised Land. In fact, we’re told that Moses carried Joseph’s bones out of Egypt. Joseph knew the round about way.
`David` was anointed king of Israel. Soon after that, he found himself a homeless fugitive living in caves to escape being killed by a hostile king. David knew the round about way.
`Daniel` was gifted, wise, and faithful. He ended up in exile in astrange land, thrown into a den of lions. God was still leading Daniel, but he was leading him on a roundabout way.
Perhaps you would like to be in a relationship; you’re looking fora life partner, seeking a good thing. But you have been on aroundabout way..waiting for a long time. Will you make the following commitments? _“I will not get entangled in a romantic relationship with someone who does not share my faith and ultimate values. I will not get sexually involved with a person to whom I am not married—even in the face of great pressure. If I have to stop the relationship I will.”_ This is to stay on the roundabout way of the Lord. If it means forty years, I will endure forty years. If it’s the rest of my life, I will stay the rest of my life.”
When you can give thanks in the desert, you grow very strong. When you are on the roundabout way but say,“I won’t go back to Egypt. I will be faithful,” you are growing mighty in your soul.
Your brother in Christ,
Apostle Ashok Martin