November 23, 2020
Good morning Lovelies. Father, I come to You this morning just to say thank You. When the road and life get difficult, remind us that we are not alone and even now You see us. You are with us through every trial. In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen. I first like to say that my sabbatical is over. I know some of you have been wondering what was going on with my devotions. Just know that every day that I didn’t post you were on my mind. Let’s start the day off by telling someone that you love them. It doesn’t have to just be someone that you know. As we look at the plight in Paris this should also be another confirmation that we never know what tomorrow holds. Some say that tomorrow is not promised-I say that the next second is not promised. Use them wisely. Will they be wasted on negativity or will they be used fulfilling your purpose? Set your table!
Many of us go through life allowing others' nightmares to pour into our dreams. We ultimately think that people that are seen as being friends-aren’t always. One thing that we need to learn is the definition of an enemy. It can be said that an enemy is a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something. A thing that harms or weakens something else. The Bible defines an enemy as an adversary, foe, or hater. We all know that haters come in all forms. So in other words, enemies can come in many forms. They can be those that are jealous of your drive, your passions, or your goals. Who doesn’t have the vision to want something out of life, so they don’t want you to either! Steer clear of these individuals. They can suck the life out of you.
So because of this people begin to feel as if they are in a wilderness. Destined not to come out of it. The wilderness is a fearful place to be. Nothing but barren hills, deep valleys, and sunbaked, gray dirt that seems to go on forever. A man without supplies wouldn’t last long in the wilderness. A million-plus people wandering around would soon starve to death. There isn’t enough water, there isn’t enough food, the sun beats down mercilessly during the day, and at night the desert grows dark, cold, and dangerous. Few people can survive there for very long.
It’s not so much that we’re afraid of change, or so in love with old ways, but it’s that place in between we fear. It’s like Linus from Charlie Brown when his blanket is in the dryer. There’s nothing to hold on to. But we must learn that sometimes the wilderness is necessary. We all have to go through some “wilderness time” to get from where we were to where God wants us to be. By definition, the wilderness is a lonely place. Even though you may actually be surrounded by people, in the wilderness you feel all alone.
Abandoned. Forgotten. Discarded. We’ve all been there. Waiting for the job interview. Hoping for good news from the doctor. Watching the money run out. Worrying about our children. Wondering if we can hold on for another week. Trying to forgive and finding it hard. Working to patch up a broken relationship. Feeling stuck in the mud and wondering if life will ever change. Trying to rebuild our shattered dreams. In those taut, tense, fearful moments, it’s easy to think, “God has forgotten me.” But it is much more the other way around. We are the ones who have forgotten God.
Can God set a table in the wilderness? At the table, the family comes together to share a meal. At the table, family members share their life together. Come to the table and there you will find food and drink and fellowship and laughter and encouragement. Come to the table and there you will discover that you are not alone. Come to the table and there you will find others who know what you are going through and welcome you anyway. The wilderness is not an easy place to be. It can seem . . .Dangerous, Lonely, Deadly, Risky, and Hopeless. It’s easy to get lost there.
You may spend a long time there. But it is also the place where you . . . Learn your own limitations, Face your own failures, Wrestle with temptation, Listen to God’s Word, See God work in unusual ways, Learn to lean on others, Find the strength you didn’t know you had, Encounter the impossible, Learn what God is like.
Where is your wilderness? An unpleasant person? A difficult work situation? Learning to deal with grief? Losing your job? Your own boring life? Fear that grips your heart? Cancer that grows inside you? A father who abandoned you? Can God prepare a table in a place like that? Can God meet you right where you are? Can God spread a table amid your personal wilderness?
We need to find our table in the wilderness. God does meet us when we feel abandoned and forgotten, and he says, “I will spread a table for you in this wilderness. Can God set a table in the wilderness? Yes, he can. But you’ll never know as long as you stay in Egypt. By definition, you have to be in the wilderness first. Then and only then can God set a table for you!!!! Are you ready for the feast?
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Psalm 23:4-5
Live life, give people hope, share your heart, wisdom, and resources. Never place a period where God says there should be a comma. As always peace and blessings, be safe. Take advantage of your opportunities, but never allow your opportunities to take advantage of you. Remember God loves you and so do I. ©krw 11.23.20
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