That Dreaded Season

Every person can think of difficult seasons in life. Times of struggle, challenges, loss and brokenness. As Christians, however, we have eyes to see when God is leading us into the wilderness; into a season to pain and suffering for our good. It's in those times that He is so close, and He is doing the most work in us.

Think back to a time you spent in the wilderness. We are going to open it up and hopefully uncover purpose for it, and your growth from it. All the passages are taking from Deut. 8. 

1. "Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years..."

(Deuteronomy 8:2a)

- What was your wilderness?

- Why would a loving God purposely lead His child into a time of pain? (Answer in #2)

2. "...to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart."

(Deuteronomy 8:2b)

- Were you humbled by your time in the wilderness? What heart-changes took place?

3. "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna..."

(Deuteronomy 8:3a)

- What did God withhold from you that brought you pain, and how did He ultimately satisfy your hunger? 

- Why would He do this? (Answer in #4)

4. "...to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

(Deuteronomy 8:3b)

- Did you find yourself relying heavily on God to carry you through? 

- In what ways did you cling to Him rather than things of this world that used to bring you security?

5. "Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years."

(Deuteronomy 8:4)

- What was unwavering in your life, no matter how much difficulty and pain you endured in the wilderness? 

- Can you see God, not only in what He withheld, but in what He kept together?

6. "Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you."

(Deuteronomy 8:5)

(While not every season in the wilderness is discipline, it is always a season of pruning. In both, there is lesson. Sometimes many lessons.)

- What did God teach you through your difficulty?

- How did you come out stronger than before?

- How has your relationship with God changed since your experience?

Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

If you couldn't see the work God was doing in you (and for you) at the time, my prayer is that you can see it now. And if you could, my prayer is that you are reminded of God's intent in your life, and his un-bounding love for you!

Happy Monday!