by Lenore Buth
When Pastor Brad recently used the phrase "a desert of your own making" it took me back to a day those words opened my eyes.
An opportunity had arisen for my husband, so we made one of those job-related moves that can leave the other spouse thinking, what about me? Even as I rejoiced for him it meant we must leave behind a good life in a place I wanted to stay. But I loved my husband more, so I determined I would learn to like our new life.
He took to his new position like the proverbial duck to water—and I was glad for him, all the time asking God, now what?
I clung to what I believed: Our loving Heavenly Father would not bless my husband and forget about me. Somehow, some way this move would be good for me, too. I would wait. This Bible verse came to mind again and again:
“Be still and know that I am God …” -Psalm 46:10
Finding my place
After several weeks of feeling rootless I spotted a newspaper invite for a community women’s Bible study in a local church. I recognized it as the same non-denominational study a friend "back home" continually raved about. Why not check it out?
On the appointed morning I found the church and couldn’t believe my eyes. Parking lot filled. Cars lining both sides of streets all around the church. For a daytime women’s Bible study? Yes!
First came orientation and introductions for us newbies, then break time. Women of all ages streamed in from other meeting rooms and filled the good-sized worship center. The teaching leader spoke from up front, explaining deeper meanings of the day's lesson, chapters in Exodus.
She covered how God worked through Moses to set the children of Israel free from slavery in Egypt, even holding back the waters of the Red Sea so they could cross on dry ground. Then God promised them as they traveled through desert on their way to the Promised Land he would every day provide fresh bread (manna) for them and meat every night. What a blessing, right?
Yet Chapter 16 relates they soon started complaining, wailing they were better off as slaves in Egypt, where at least they had choices in food.
Then the leader seemed to look directly at me
She asked, "What about you? Are you wandering around in a desert of your own making?"
That moment, for the first time I understood I was doing exactly that.
Her next question hit home again. "Are you murmuring against God's provision for you because it doesn't fit your specifications?"
Talk about a light bulb moment! At last I understood God's goodness in our move. My husband, doing what he loved and was good at. His salary, enough for our needs. Our comfortable home in a quiet neighborhood . Both of us in good health. What did I have to complain about?
I left that lecture in a daze, convinced the Holy Spirit had just spoken truth to my heart and mind. I knew deep-down that God moved us to that place for my husband, yes, but also for me.
Don’t ask me how I knew. I just did.
I drove home asking God to forgive me for my self-centeredness. When my husband returned from work I asked his forgiveness, too, but that darling man shushed me and folded me into his love. Finally, he had his wife back.
Of course, I joined that weekly Bible study, which came with daily assignments requiring written answers. I ate it up. From my earliest days I trusted Jesus as my Savior, attended Sunday School and numerous adult Bible studies, but this study deepened my love for God’s written word. My faith grew and so did friendships in this city I grew to love. Then came our next move and right away, I joined the same study in a nearby town.
All because that unforgettable day I understood firsthand the truth of Hebrews 4:12: "The word of God is living and active..."
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. -Lamentations 3:22-23
New eyes to see the Truth
God's true and living Word spoke to me and changed the way I read the Bible. Since then I always look for:
What do these verses say? What do they say to me?
What can I learn from this account, from these individuals, on ways to live--or not live?
What principles can I use in my life? Right now?
What's my takeaway?
Sometimes I easily find some new meaning in familiar verses. Sometimes not. One thing is sure. I never come away empty. God's Holy Spirit sees to that.
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. …” John 15:13a
Have no worries about "how to read the Bible”
There is no formula, no special qualifications. Just make time to do it and trust the truth of this verse:
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. -Psalm 119:130
Ask God to give you a teachable spirit. Consider being part of a study or a small group, too. We each can learn from the insights and experiences of others as they share how the Lord works in their lives.
Every one of us will experience desert times, but we are never alone. Jesus walks with us every step of the way. His Spirit calms our fears and strengthens us so we can keep going, whatever our situation.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. … Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. -Romans 15:1
Even in the midst of a hard time, we can be at peace, remembering that deserts bloom in their proper season.