Ichthys

The Wilderness - part 1

In the wilderness in Exodus & Deuteronomy, God accomplished many different things in regard to his relationship with Israel. It wasn’t “just” a time of punishment, no, God prepared them, protected them, provided for them, disciplined them and was a parent to them. 

Preparation - (Exodus 13:17-18)

The route to Palestine was 320 km, but God directed his people down the scenic route and extended their trip to around 640 km.  Why the long journey? didnt God want to spoil his children in the promised land? didnt he love them? didnt he want them to be happy? Why such a detour?

Well the answer is preparation! The promised land was overrun with armies and men who weren’t really that “giving” & “encouraging,” they weren’t gonna just deny self and give the land over to the Israelites! The Israelites had to be ready for a fight, physically and mentally! Their years in Egypt hadnt produced the most content and  God-dependant hearts, satisfied with whatever God provided, they also werent very keen on trusting in God! So this was a perfect opportunity for God to get them ready!

God doesnt send his people unprepared, God is definitely the leader of the “preperation ministry!”

Sometimes we face wilderness patches in our life, we feel like God just isn’t there, like we are being punished (and sometimes we are), but it could also be a period in your life where God is preparing you for something, something big, some amazing challenge/gift (whatever your promised land might be). Where God is trying make you God dependant and not self-dependant! Getting us focused on the fact that it’s God who provides us with everything, and we need to be content, trusting in him!