Led by the Spirit...Into the Desert

I love the idea of being led by the Spirit into green pastures and quiet waters. These are moments when I experience God's presence and favor. Sometimes these moments are repeated day after day, becoming seasons of rest and fresh revelation from the Lord. I know Who is in control and I'm confident that He is taking care of every need. In a sense, I'm being pampered.

Yet what about the times when the Good Shepherd leads us into desert places? Those dry and lonely places where He seems distant and unconcerned? This often happens during periods of transition. Could God be preparing me for something, slowly and patiently working on my character and strengthening my ability to resist temptation? Is He possibly moving me into a new area of ministry and greater influence?

In preparation times the fundamental need is for our resistance to be built up. Our ability to resist and overcome evil is connected to our capacity to do good. And so Jesus was "led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." - Matthew 4:1

Forty days of being led by the Spirit. Forty days of temptation. My common perception has been that the temptation occurred strictly at the end of the 40 days. But Luke's gospel states that Jesus was tempted for forty days (Lk 4:1). One trial after another, one long season of dryness and difficulty. Ever feel this way?  I have. Could it be that this is no accident?  What if God has designed this season for a purpose, specifically for your long-term benefit and growth?

I confess, sometimes I need a change of perspective before I can truly learn to cooperate with God in the desert places. Rather than seeing my dilemma as a form of punishment, I've needed to embrace it as His provision. Don't get me wrong. I'll take the green pastures and quiet waters any day. But I'm learning to trust God's leading and purpose in the desert places as well. 

Presumption

After David was settled in his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent.” Nathan replied to David, “Whatever you have in mind, do it, for God is with you.” -  I Chronicles 17:1-2 Upon reading the above passage and the verses which follow, I was struck by my tendency to think and plan without taking the time to get the big picture.  From a position of comfort and security, I start thinking I know what God needs and when he needs it.  I start making plans and ask God to bless them. That's called presumption!

• Presumptuous thinking and planning often start with good intentions. David wanted to build a house that would honor God's name. But did God ever say he wanted a house, let alone that David would be the one to build it?  David's motivation was good, but he lacked the broader perspective of what God was doing through the generations and with a whole nation. He lacked vision. He need God's perspective.

• Presumptuous thinking and planning is often rooted in comfort and security.  David was settled in his palace. Comfort and security have a way of dulling our senses. The danger is to equate good times and good feelings with God's blessing and favor.  I'm not saying that God doesn't desire to bless and give good gifts to his children; He certainly does. But King David was reminded that God's plan went far beyond his own personal comfort and present state of feeling blessed.

God was quick to remind David that He doesn't operate on a need basis. He doesn't need anything.  Instead, He works to accomplish His vision for the sake of the people He loves and for the blessed future He envisions for them.  He desires to communicate His vision to us so that we have the ability to partner effectively with Him.

Once God had spoken, I believe a burden was lifted from David's shoulders - the burden to do something for God which we often carry with us. The burden to please by doing something for Him rather than being with Him. That day I believe King David traded his self-induced, short term, presumptuous thinking for God's long-term vision. And just maybe, the king slept a little better that night as he reflected on God's words...

“‘I declare to you that the Lord will build a house for you..." - I Chronicles 17:10b

Distinguished

"...and he separated the light from the darkness." - Genesis 1:4b I'm thankful for the way in which our Creator distinguishes and separates His creation. His work of separation in creation brings order out of chaos.  Light from darkness.  Night from day.  He makes a distinction between the plants, animals, and the climax of his creation humankind. We exist because of God's intentional, supernatural act of creating order, functionality and beauty out of chaos.

While we take for granted God's work of distinguishing in creation and the physical order, are we aware that He also does this in the spiritual realm? He takes us out of darkness and distinguishes us as children of the day. He calls us out of bondage into freedom. He brings us out sinful habits and lifestyles into His holiness.

Although God created this world for us in all its vast beauty, He also created us for another world, our heavenly home. We are a peculiar people, unique and set apart for His glory. God's purpose in distinguishing us is twofold: to give us a peculiar platform by which we can share his love here on earth, all the while preparing us for an eternity with Him.

For Reflection:

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." - 1 Peter 2:9