Chapter 15 of The Bridge from OneDayBow is the start of a journey that Tim didn’t expect to take, and quite frankly, didn’t want to. He had hoped that he was headed to great ministry opportunities in HereAndNow, but that was going to be delayed awhile.

Funny, now that I think about it, even while Tim was headed to the desert and a whole lot of uncertainty, the Son fully knew that the desert was not his final destination. Instead, it was preparation. Note that this was pre-known by the Son; the purpose was to build Tim’s faith and endurance; and he had a promise that the Son was able to help him through and that His Nooma would be with him.

Okay. That’s all I need to know.

Good to go! Let’s get this started.

Right? Wrong!

Tim didn’t say any of those things. So, what did he say?

…Tim had lots of questions:

Why do I have to go?

Why must I take this journey?

Don’t I already know I can walk by faith because Your Book gives clarity?

I’ve had that lesson and learned it!

But had Tim learned “it”, really? I would venture to say, No. Why? Because faith is not a one-time lesson or a one stop destination. Faith is, in a sense, the journey. And the shield of faith, well, it is a very visible reminder that he was going to need it. Not just to have it, but to use it. As the Son told him, “Lift up high the shield in trust, recounting all I’ve done.”

So what does this mean to me? I fear that I am often a better student than servant. I personally do not like a physical desert. To me, its a necessary roadway that leads to some place I’d like to be. And spiritual deserts? (Remember after all, this is an allegory…) What comes to mind is dryness, distress, and a delay to where I want to be. Wherever that is. I seldom consider “that place” in terms of preparation – but I know it is! If the Lord allows it, He has a good purpose. And I won’t go one step without His full participation. I have His promise – lots of promises. How should that make me feel? Grateful that His faithfulness can be trusted. Even in the desert. But, I still don’t like the desert.

Having said that, I certainly don’t want to wander into the desert by my own sin or stupidity. If the desert isn’t God’s plan for me then I better be praying. Well, I better be praying anyways. Always.  Ultimately, this is about trusting the God Who created me and ordained every one of my days before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139. Read it. You’ll be so glad you did!!!) If God is with me, and He is, it is going to be okay.

I heard a little while ago about a friend who died in an accident today. She is now safe with the Lord and in her true forever Home. And yet, the desert is just beginning for her husband and family. Please pray for them. Pray that they will lift up the shield of faith remembering God’s faithfulness. Pray they trust God will accomplish good things, even through this. And pray that God will give them endurance as He fills them with His peace.