Scarcity To Abundance - Deserts: God’s Provision in the Wilderness

“Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!” (Matthew 14:19-21, NLT)

“When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, ‘It’s a ghost!’ But Jesus spoke to them at once. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage. I am here!’” (Matthew 14:26-27, NLT)

For months I had a pit in my stomach, and then it happened: My greatest fear came true. I’d been ruminating over a looming decision for so long that I’d lived through the worst-case scenario in my imagination several times over. But nothing prepares you for the moment of decision that finalizes what you’ve anticipated: time in a desert of disappointment and rejection. There was no way forward in my situation that wouldn’t compromise what the Lord had called me to do. But not even the goal and joy of obedience removes the pain of choosing what’s right, especially when what’s right means letting go of a dream.

I wish I could tell you that my prayer life in my most recent desert sounded something like this:

God, I have no doubt you are protecting me from something and that you will open new doors. I can’t wait to see how you exceed my expectations. You love to give good gifts, and I’m waiting in hope as I trust your timing.

Instead, I muttered these phrases in my tearful, middle-of-the-night prayers for weeks before the big moment of decision:

• I’ve got nothing left.
• I’m completely depleted.
• My tank is empty.
• I can’t do this any longer.
• I’m done.

Notice the I’s and my in those confessions. There’s something about the wastelands and low points of life that cause Christians to turn inward instead of upward. To focus on self rather than on God. To assume we will die in the desert rather than use the desert as a way to God’s abundance.

I’m not suggesting that Christians should bypass feelings, diminish our hardships, or will force ourselves into finding the bright side of things. What I’m talking about is resisting despair and trusting that God provides a way out. Maybe you just need to hear that today: God is providing a way out for you.

You don’t have enough, and I don’t have enough either. But we are not alone in the desert, remember? Christ, the death-conquering, life-saving God of the universe, is right by our side, making a way through the wilderness. And just like he provided manna in the desert for the Israelites, Jesus is now, in Matthew’s Gospel, proving he is the ultimate Provider. Not even a desert location will keep him from showering us, and the people we care about, with everything we need—abundantly.

Read:

Matthew 14–15

Prayer:

God, you are the one who provides a way. When I can’t see where I am meant to go, direct my steps and help me believe that you are right by my side. In Jesus’ name, Amen.