In one of the bible studies I am in we are discussing the wilderness that God led the Israelite’s through. Instead of taking them a straight short path directly to their destination, he took them a long way around and through the wilderness. Of course God had a wonderful reason why (to avoid a war), which the Israelite’s couldn’t see at the time. Instead they asked why, complained along the way (even though God was there in a cloud or by fire all the time), and were discouraged. I have felt that way so many times, asked the same questions and thought the same thoughts on so many things. As I have been studying these lessons, I have seen others in my class, finding their promise lands. It has been a beautiful and amazing thing to watch God work. But I have been like those Israelite’s, and thought what about me? What about all the wildernesses’ I am going through right now? God will you help me to my promise land?… Please?
In doing this blog thing, I have been able to verbalize some of my thoughts and frustrations, especially about one major wilderness our family has been in, and that is finances. God had been in a cloud or fire right in front of me sending Manna and I still complained, ask why, and got discouraged. It did strengthen my faith in Him for sure because I had no choice but to rely on Him. I am realizing that is what He wants from me, my total Faith in Him and His good works. He WILL take care of us, and will answer our prayer because “He has plans for us”. He will give me more of what I need, because He knows what that is, I surely don’t (even though I think I do). He honors commitment, and puts us through things to teach us so we can handle more. That is the wilderness I have been going through financially, God has kept us here for us to learn, exactly what we needed, to grow and prosper. It has been a very hard road, especially where I came from, and it feels like it’s been close to a 40 year journey. (Okay, I am not old enough for that… maybe it’s been 5 years) But I am seeing the promised Land, (Financially) and I am so excited because I know God has major plans for us!
I would just encourage you, whatever wilderness you’re in right now, know God is there, sending Manna, wanting the best for you, and shaping you into a better person. But you have to ask, in prayer, with a heart that knows God wants the best for you! Who knows what great things you will do with Christ helping. If you didn’t die today, God is making you a stronger part in His army!
Truth & Wellness with Andria 
Good thoughts. Just happened across your site and enjoyed your thoughts on ‘wilderness.’ I suspect that we today are exactly like those of Israel who complained not grasping the pearl of great price they had in their Redeemer who brought them out of bondage. The promised land was there in the wilderness with Him…all the time…and they could not see it.They wouldn’t acknowledge that their clothes and shoes did not age in forty years. They only saw what they didn’t have. They had His protection from outward things that would harm. He raised up Pharoah and hardened his heart so he would refuse to let the people go so God could reveal Himself to them…reveal His power to save…to deliver…to sustain…to restore. He sustained with manna from heaven which pointed to the true Bread of Life..Christ. But the majority prefered Egypt even though they were in bondage to it. ‘Wilderness’ is for sure a type of the Christian walk. It starts with deliverance from Egypt (release from the bondage of sin through the Cross). It proceeds to experiencing the presence and fellowship of Christ by way of the Holy Spirit via Faith (reality of hope evidenced by things unseen). They could have moved to the place of Sanctification (full fellowship of Grace and Love/fulness of promised dominion in Christ). But they chose..preferred the things of the world…visible things. They trusted in what could be seen. And not in God. They were like Christians today (me) who are guilty of readily taking His gift of Redemption while refusing Him (Resurrection). We want His Grace and what it will ‘give’ us. But we do not want friendship and fellowship with HIm. We prefer Egypt and its riches. They were a picture of Christendom today. The majority’s hearts remained in Egypt (flesh/mammon/what is seen) which led to death. Only the ‘few’ found the narrow gate (fellowship with Christ) that led to the Promised Land (New Jerusalem).
Wilderness is first and foremost the unseen domain of God. He continues to strive with His people in wilderness. AT my site I did a post on Wilderness: God’s Unseen Place. Deep and endless subject.
Again, good thoughts. Thanks for sharing.
Carolyn