So, it’s been a few months since I last made a post! And now we’re in 2025! Whether you acknowledge the new year in January or in March/April (Spring), I wish you a fruitful year in Christ and pray that we all grow closer to the truth and walk in His grace.
Let me share my most recent reflection. Earlier today, as I was washing my hair, I thought about my life over the years—the many seasons, some of which I didn’t think I’d make it through. I couldn’t help but ponder why certain things couldn’t have happened sooner in my life and why everything often feels like a struggle. Then, I was reminded of how God led the Israelites the long way to the Promised Land.
And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:
Exodus 13:17-18 (KJV)
But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.
For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people that were men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the Lord: unto whom the Lord sware that he would not shew them the land, which the Lord sware unto their fathers that he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey.
Joshua 5:6 (KJV)
These accounts of the wilderness made me reflect deeply. Imagine—after freeing the Israelites from bondage, God knew there was a shorter route to the Promised Land. Yet, He chose the path that would take 40 years!
Years of learning to depend on God. I can only imagine: battling depression, feeling thirsty, hungry, and angry with God for the hardship of the journey. Some didn’t make it, but those who endured pain and suffering—and even moments of doubt—chose to keep looking to the One who kept proving that, though they felt alone in the wilderness, they were being carried to the land promised to them.
What if God takes some of us the long way to our Promised Land to build our faith and assurance in Him? To remind us that His Word is true and He cannot lie. If He says He will take you to the other side, He will. Imagine leaving behind depression, lack, heartbreak, betrayal, and rejection.
As I reflected, these words came to mind: In this life, everyone has a wilderness journey. For some, it lasts days; for others, it lasts years. Whether your journey is short or long, there is always a lesson to learn. Learn that lesson and never look back.
This reminded me of Lot’s wife, who was warned not to look back as they fled Sodom and Gomorrah. She disobeyed, looked back, and became a pillar of salt.
But Lot’s wife, from behind him, [foolishly, longingly] looked [back toward Sodom in an act of disobedience], and she became a pillar of salt.
Genesis 19:26 (AMP)
As we enter this new year, consider: What has God been teaching you during your wilderness journey? Even if it feels like you’ve been taking the long way, what lesson does God want you to learn so you never look back?
I have led you in the wilderness forty years; your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet.
Deuteronomy 29:5 AMP
For the Lord your God has blessed you in all [b]that you have done; He has known about your wanderings through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing.
Deuteronomy 2:7 AMP
Now is the perfect time to reflect and make the necessary adjustments to move forward. When you do, leave the past behind and trust that the Promised Land lies ahead.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19
Update 10/1/2025 6:07 am – After making my last post I really felt the unction to read more about the wilderness and so I ended up in the Psalms and let me tell you! I came across this scripture and I had to share. I don’t know who else this will bless but i’m leaving the scripture here.
O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: For his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
Whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, From the north, and from the south.
They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; They found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them.
Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, And he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, That they might go to a city of habitation.
Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, And filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Psalm 107:1 – 9
