A number of years back I went through a season of depression. You could call it a “desert” type experience. But through the process though I discovered a powerful promise that kept me going and prevented me from giving up:
The desert is a place of preparation before exaltation. (Tweet This)
As I looked at history I was blown away at all the people who encountered a desert experience too. Moses, John the Baptist, Jesus, St. Paul, Ruth the Moabite, and Elijah the prophet to name a few.
Each had a significant assignment which required significant character development. The desert shaped them into who they needed to become to handle that assignment successfully.
Many times we ask God for bigger blessings. We want more influence, impact, and income. God is a Heavenly Father who wants to give gifts to His children. But like any good Father, he’s not going to give us gifts that will destroy us.
So rather than giving us what we want, God gives us what we need instead. If we want to have more, then we must become more and we can only become more when we grow into the person worthy of it:
Success doesn’t ruin you; it reveals you. (Tweet this)
The desert is a place of testing and you can pass or fail. But if you fail you’ll be destined to repeat that same desert experience again and again until you eventually pass it.
Look at Daniel, David, Esther, and Joseph. Each of these figures also had a desert experience too. Daniel was exiled. David was hunted down by Saul. Esther was ordered to be exterminated. And Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers.
But look at the result. Daniel became the ruler over the entire province of Babylon and in charge of all its wise men. David became King. Esther became Queen. And Joseph became the 2nd in command of the most powerful country in the world.
Remember, preparation comes before exaltation. But don’t be fooled. The desert alone doesn’t dictate an instant upgrade. Rather, it’s all about our response while in the desert.
Like most people I don’t particularly enjoy the desert either. But I have learned 10 responses when I’m stuck there. Mastering these 10 responses will shorten your stay in the desert and increase your chances of a significant upgrade. I’ll list them below and unpack them in depth on the podcast.
10 Responses when you Feel Stuck in the Desert
- Believe God’s promises
- Sing God’s praise
- Remember what God has done for me
- Seek God’s counsel
- Do not give into temptation
- Do not envy others
- Do not turn to familiar idols
- Do not despise the place you’re in
- Do not grumble
- Obey God
(Listen via itunes, audioboom, stitcher, or click on the pic below.)
GET IN THE GAME:
3 of the actions below are absolutely FREE for you. The other two may be exactly what you’re looking for too. Who knows, you may need some of these tools when you upgrade out of the desert. 🙂
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Remember, it’s my deepest honor to serve you. And if you know someone who needs to be ignited, please share this post with them.
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QUESTION: Have you ever been in a desert?
(Please comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts. )
