In Bible Study this week, we learned that the desert--wilderness--is "where God meets us and teaches us unique lessons that these dry and barren places frame in a way no other place would." This is a photo of the wilderness south of Jerusalem I snapped from our bus as we were traveling to Masada. I cannot imagine walking that distance through this barren territory. (There were sheep and goats grazing on scrub brush--ours would have just laid down and died.) But our Bible heroes traveled through this type of terrain. This may even have been the area where Jesus was tempted by Satan...
Last summer was a wilderness "trial" for both Randy and me. We were barely able to walk as we struggled with bone-on-bone issues! Age was working on us and I did not like it at all! After nearly a year of seeing different doctors, God opened a way for us to have the corrective surgeries we needed. It was while we were in this trial or wilderness that God spoke a "word" or davar (Hebrew for "Word" or "He speaks") to me. It was from Psalm 116:
"I love the LORD because he has heard my appeal for mercy. Because he has turned his ear to me, I will call out to him as long as I live.
"The ropes of death were wrapped around me, and the torments of Sheol overcame me; I encountered trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: 'LORD, save me!
"The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is compassionate.
The LORD guards the inexperienced; I was helpless, and he saved me.
Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
For you, LORD, rescued me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
I WILL WALK BEFORE THE LORD IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING."
(verses1-9)
Looking back, I realize I came to know Him in a new way. The lyrics of the song "Way Maker" became my mantra: "You are Way Maker, miracle worker promise keeper, Light in the darkness, God. that is who You are my Jesus".
Kristi says, "In the Middle Eastern culture, the wilderness is seen almost as a sacred place, a place of intimacy, where God speaks a "word" (davar) to you."
If you are in the wilderness right now, I hope you have family and friends to help you walk through the trial. Mine were awesome "lifters" who helped carry me along. They ministered to me through prayers, phone calls, visits, food and gifts and I am so grateful for their love and help. And mostly, I hope you receive a "davar" from Him. If you do, stand on it!
Kristi teaches us that instead of asking "How long do I have to be in this wilderness or desert?" or "How do I get out of this difficult wilderness season?" (as I asked), people in the Middle East ask "How do I carry the wilderness with me?" "How do I remember the word the Lord taught me in the wilderness?"
I want to remember the davar God spoke to me. I don't want those lessons to be in vain. Sharing this with you and walking along someone else going through a wilderness season is how I keep His Word (davar) in front of me.
Are you going through a wilderness season or have you had God speak a "davar" to you while you were in that sacred place? We'd love to hear your story and walk with you...
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My cousin, Gwynn, gave me this recipe and I baked it for our Bible Study last week. Everyone liked the moistness of it and asked for the recipe:
JEWISH COFFEECAKE
Batter: 1 pkg yellow cake mix
1 pkg vanilla pudding
1/2 C oil
4 eggs
1 C sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla
Filling: 1/3 C sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbl brown sugar
1 tsp cocoa
Alternate batter and filling. Pour into a well-greased pan. Cut with knife. Bake 350 degrees 55-60 minutes. (I used a rectangular cake pan, but I think it would work in a bundt pan as well).
Thank you, Gwynn!
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