When the Israelites were brought out of Egypt into the desert, they gave up everything. They may have not had the most glamorous life, but at least it was a life. They packed up everything and left their homes, their jobs and the very way of life that they knew. They did this because they trusted that God would bring them to a better place. They were being brought into the desert, not knowing that God really did have a promised land awaiting them.
I can relate to the Israelites desire to go back to Egypt. I also gave up everything, when I was called to the World Race. I believed deep in my heart that I didn’t need to worry about anything, because God would provide me with everything I needed when I returned home. He proved to me that he was able and willing to provide; before my last deadline arrived, I was fully funded. But now I am home, and I am feeling a lot like the Israelites in the desert. I gave up everything; my home, job and car. Now I am here, in a desert, wondering why God called me out of the life I was living. I had a wonderful home, a stable job and a great car. I had a place in life, where I knew exactly what I was doing. Now I am living from place to place, not really being settled. I have no job to provide for my needs. I have a little bit of money that I have set aside to eventually get a home. But before I get a home, I need a car. But before I can get a car, I need a job. So I apply to jobs that I know I qualify for. But I get no response. I am sure I can go back to substitute teaching in the fall, but that won’t officially start until September 9th. In the mean time, I sit here in the desert, awaiting my promised land, looking back at what I had before and wondering why God brought me out of such a great life (even though at the time I was wanting more).
What sets me apart from the Israelites is that I know God’s character. I have seen how he did in fact have great things for them, and if they would have just trusted in him, they would have been able to experience it. I don’t know why God has called me on the World Race, or why he isn’t providing. And sometimes it is hard, because I think back on what I had given up and want to go back. But if God is doing for me what he did for the Israelites, then I believe this desert is just for a short time, that great things are ahead. I just hope I don’t have to wander around the desert for 40 years before I get it. That would be miserable. Lord, give me the strength to trust in you to provide all that I need.
