The Wilderness
A voice is calling, “Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. “Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rugged terrain a broad valley; Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, And all flesh will see it together; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
Isaiah 40: 3-5
Throughout scripture, the wilderness holds a very important significance to people throughout the bible, and therefore it must also hold significance to those of us who choose to follow the Lord. Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, and Paul all had wilderness experiences. And we are not any different. Throughout life, we will encounter wilderness experiences that are meant to not only bring us closer to God, but it is also meant to bring all the glory back to our Heavenly Father. Personally, the wilderness experiences that I’ve faced, and one in which I’m currently facing aren’t ideal. However, it’s been in these times where God draws me closer to him and it brings more clarity and eventually peace regarding my particular circumstances. Spiritually, I’ve gained so much wisdom, insight, revelations, and even skill sets that have manifested so many of God’s promises. Honestly, I’ve been resistant to speaking about my current wilderness experience, but when God called me to create this platform, it was meant for me to have discussions in real time. I’ve made it my business to operate in obedience, so I’ll reveal the fullness of what the Holy Spirit guides me to share. This post will be lengthy so if you’re inclined to keep reading, buckle up buttercup!
In the bible, the wilderness is a desolate or uncultivated place, and in Hebrew, it translates to “in the desert”. God intentionally leads his children into the wilderness, where we face hardships, struggles, challenges, and we may even begin to question God about why we’re experiencing what may feel like desertion. And these are the times when we should turn our faces to God. “Then you’ll take delight in the Almighty; and will turn your face toward God.” Job 22:26 Can we maintain our faith and hope in the Lord, like Job? How do we persevere while we are facing these trials and trying times? God implores us throughout scripture not to give up. These experiences “in the desert” can cause anyone to throw in the towel and walk away. But always remember, the wilderness is always a prelude to the promised land. God performed some of his most magnificent miracles in the wilderness. So, it’s a time that I may dread personally, but it’s one that I do not take for granted. The wilderness also provided some great revelations. One of my goals for 2023, was to find and understand my purpose. God took me through many tests and trials to see if he could trust me, and in the latter part of the year. Not only did God reveal my purpose, but he also revealed the significance to a few questions I’ve had since I surrendered my life to Christ.
And here’s where it gets real… While I’ve been living out and living in some of God’s promises, there is one promise that I normally reference, yet I’ve chosen not to reveal. So, I’ll no longer hide it. God has me experiencing a form of wilderness in regard to marriage. I’ve explained previously about the visions and dreams God has given me regarding my future spouse. During this waiting in the wilderness, I’ve questioned God about the validity of those visions and dreams. I’ve asked him to remove the thoughts if it is against his will. I’ve asked him if he’s calling me to a lifelong commitment to singleness, since everyone is not called to marriage according to scripture (see Matthew 19: 11-12 for reference). I’ve even asked God to reassign you if he sees fit (he’s declined this request for now). And God has proven time and time again that he absolutely intends for me to be a kingdom wife. Now who my husband is, is up to him and God. If my future husband is refusing his kingdom assignment, it will not hinder God’s promise over my life. The revelation that was given to me in a vision, regarding my purpose does include a husband. But me stepping into what I’ve been anointed for is not dependent upon a husband. I’ve been called to embark on this journey now, and I’m following God’s lead every single step of the way. The fullness of my purpose will come to fruition with my future spouse. If the man that I referred to in a previous post is reading this, the only part of that vision that I can reveal is that, for the first time, your face was a blur. Meaning, if you choose not to take heed, my husband will be reassigned. I cannot determine whether or not this is a warning, that is between you and God. But what I do know is, I’m on Kairos time. And you my dear may run out of time. There is an anointed and an appointed time for everything under the heavens (paraphrased from Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8) There is a divine timeline for everything and for everyone, so it is important and crucial that even in desolate places, that we take heed to our assignments and instructions from God. Please note, that I have zero intentions to revisit this topic. I believe God and everything that he’s promised over my life, and the lives of everyone connected to me. If it is in his will to remove the assignment, and reassign you, then so be it. My destiny is calling, and I gladly and humbly choose to answer.
Whenever we may be experiencing our wilderness moments… “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6 The paths that God has set forth; he’s done it with intentionality. While we may not understand the fullness of God’s reasoning, he has a plan that supersedes even our wildest dreams. God is Sovern, so he also understands his children’s limitations. He will not give any of us a burden that we cannot carry. So, while the wilderness may bring worry, exhaustion, confusion, and fatigue. The Lord is always with you. Even when the silence is deafening, God is there and he’s listening. I was praying to God recently, and I let it be known that my time for maintaining obedience to a very strict and firm conviction that he has given me has reached a point for more than what my fleshly desires can endure. And the Holy Spirit called me out of my sleep just by calling my name. I am merely a sheep who knows the voice of my shepherd, and after receiving his guidance during this time of uncertainty, I’m relieved. I find comfort in knowing that God is always with me. God is with all of us, and may the magnitude of power, light, and love shine upon us, when the weight and burdens seem to be too much to bear. Ladies, I pray that we are all equipped to stay the course, and to continue to see things through. Our labor has not been in vain, and may the wilderness times in our lives produce a harvest of ripe fruits.
Always with love,
Love Esther