For everything there is a season, and a time for every activity under the heaven. – (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT)
Merriam-Webster defines wilderness as a tract or region uncultivated and uninhabited by human beings. Scripture gives us an appreciation for every season of our lives, declaring that there is a time for everything under the heavens.
When I reflect on this opening scripture in Ecclesiastes 3, I for one like to think about positive life events. Time for a new job, a new hobby, anything exciting? Hallmark Christmas movies 24/7?
YES! Sign me up please and thanks.
The wilderness? Not so much. My hand is not raised. I am not ready and can I skip this class, please and thanks. I’m guessing your hand isn’t raised either. But as the passage continues, we are reminded that every season has a purpose, and the harvest and wilderness are two sides of the same coin (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15).
When I first said yes to my God-sized Dream of making organic bodycare products, I had no full-time job, which meant no real income to launch anything. I spent time educating myself in ways I could afford, learning about my craft. I dreamed with and asked God for a vision to follow. Every step of the way, He guided me and led me along the right path (Psalm 32:8). As I trusted Him with the process and used what was in my hands, He brought my dream of Mama’s Southern Love to fruition. One year later, He is still writing an amazing story .
How do we come to appreciate the uncharted territory, making a path where there is none? Not only for our lives but for our dreams too? Friend, I’ve learned that God does some of his best work in the wilderness. As I reflect on my experiences, here’s what I have learned.
Keep following the last instructions from God.
Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you, a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:21 NLT)
When in the wilderness, continue following the last word we got from God. When we don’t know which way to turn, we can never go wrong with reminding ourselves of what God has already spoken to us. The good news is that we have the Word when we need a reminder and a guiding light. Study the characters of the Bible and ask God for Biblical leadership skills.
Be a good steward of the current moment and resources.
There have been months where I felt my dreams were stagnant and made no progress. I also experienced times where I had so many ideas without the resources to implement them, which can be equally frustrating. Regardless of which season our dreams are in, God will always provide the manna. Assess what “daily bread” He has given you, and put it to work. Do you have ideas? Write them down, and pray for them. Speak life over your dreams through affirmations and praying the scriptures. Educate yourself and become an expert in your dream field. Engage what’s in front of you in the wilderness until it’s time for the next season.
Trust God in the process of the unknown.
When the heat is turned up and challenges in the wilderness are difficult, turn to the Almighty, who is sovereign over all. Know that He has a plan and can see the full picture, whereas we only have a limited view. He will not steer you wrong. In addition to leaning on the Lord, turn to your community for encouragement and support.
Another Merriam-Webster definition of wilderness is “an area essentially undisturbed by human activity together with its naturally developed life community; an empty or pathless area or region.
While an area undisturbed may seem frightening at first, I have learned that God fills empty things and He makes them beautiful. When your season of dream wilderness has ended, you’ll be able to look back and see how God has indeed made everything beautiful in its time.
Shared by Stacy Jeffries
Photo by Jaromír Kavan on Unsplash
I can completely relate to your wilderness experience. Thank you for sharing what you learned. These lessons are helpful reminders to stay focused on God and trust Him even when we feel lost in the wilderness.
No one wants to volunteer for wilderness living — I sure don’t! But then Paul prays to “know Him and the fellowship of His sufferings [nope, not happy to volunteer for that either!], being conformed to His death.”
There’s something about the way we connect with God in the darkness that changes us, and I appreciate this post, sharing your wilderness experience, and giving hope and light for others who are walking that unwanted path.
Awe, the wilderness, how well I know you. But, it’s how I’ve been changed so much and have learned to love, trust, and depend on God so much. My faith has deepened.