WANDERING IN THE WILDERNESS: Insights from Exodus 13:17-18

UNDERSTANDING THE JOURNEY FROM EGYPT

The story of the Israelites wandering for forty years in the desert serves as a vivid reminder of both physical and spiritual journeys. The desolate landscape symbolizes a time of trial and contemplation, as they faced the consequences of their unbelief and disobedience. Like the Israelites, many of us have experienced our personal wilderness moments—periods when we feel lost, overwhelmed, or even ensnared by our own vices.

A PERSONAL REVELATION ADMIST TURMOIL

During my wilderness experience, a vision that mirrored this journey struck me. Outside the temple, the setting embodied the chaotic struggles of my spirit, and I felt the wind whip through my hair and garment. As I stood there, I received a word; my being blown back and forth by the winds was preventing me from entering through the enormous temple door. It was a metaphor of my spiritual struggle as I recognized that my rebellion and the idolatry in my life had led me to wander aimlessly, much like the Israelites.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF TAKING THE LONG ROAD

In both the stories of the Israelites and my life, the underlying theme is that because of unbelief and disobedience we spent forty years wandering in a dark wasteland. Exodus 13:17-18, weighed heavy upon my heart as I struggled to leave Egypt. It reminds us that our spiritual journey may not always be straightforward. Sometimes, God will lead us the long way in order to protect us when we haven’t yet developed the strength to withstand the warfare that we’ll encounter. However, through this long road, we are humbled and prepared for the promised land. Let us remain steadfast, resisting the temptations that call us back to Egypt, as we navigate the complexities of our faith with courage and determination.

GOD'S SILVER BALL

During my journey, I had moments of revelation and testing. One particular encounter stands out vividly in my memory: I found myself in an elaborate ballroom, trembling with fear as I faced His overwhelming majesty, there in the presence of a Holy God despite my human frailty. In that moment of vulnerability, the Lord met me where I was, reassuring me through a simple game with a silver ball. This experience became a step-by-step journey towards rediscovering my faith. Each movement, each turn reaffirmed His love and reassurance.

In conclusion, this picture showing the Lion of Judah with the silver ball reminds me of that time in the ballroom when I got to know and trust Him in a deeper way. What a treasure to behold… our God and King. Never doubt His love for you and always seek to know Him more.

©By S.A. Tower