God is a God of purpose. He does nothing and allows nothing to happen in your life without divine purpose:
This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations. For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? (Isaiah 14:26-27)
We are called according to God's purpose (Romans 8:28). Every purpose of God is directed towards fulfilling His will (Ephesians 1:11). Jesus was sent to earth for divine purpose: "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8).
Wilderness-like spiritual experiences always have divine purpose. In the case of the new generation of Israelites, they were being prepared to embrace their destiny. The years of dealing with difficult circumstances gave them the mental and spiritual mindset necessary to conquer the enemy.
When you are experiencing a spiritual desert, seek the purposes for it. For example, in a desert of affliction, while you are separated from the normal distractions of life, focus on your purpose. What is God saying to you through this experience? What is He wanting to do in your life?
Moses, David, and Paul all had desert experiences in which God was preparing them for their destinies. If you are in the desert right now, know that God is at work in your life. Do not despair. Trust God. There is a purpose for what you are going through.
Job went through a wilderness experience of great loss--family, fortune, and health. Here is how he felt: "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him" (Job 23:8-9). Have you ever felt that way? Do you feel that way right now? Let's read the next portion of Job's comments:
But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. (Job 23:10-12)
Every wilderness is different. Sometimes it is a place of chastisement. At other times you are drawn aside to receive new direction and to grow in intimacy with God and His Word. There is always a purpose and it always relates to your spiritual vision. The wilderness is a place of purpose, a divinely ordained part of your pathway to purpose.
PRAYER:
My FATHER, My God, this year let my life reflect the blessing of the Lord, I shall not be static, I decree PROGRESS, FAVOR, HONOR, AND INFLUENCE are my portion. My life is SALTED, My speech is SALTED, My Home and Business are SALTED in the name of Jesus.
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