“I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43.19).

God brought His people out of Egyptian bondage to form the nation of Israel. He provided for them in the wilderness. He also brought them back from exile in Babylon some 700 years later. He made a way for them. That’s what God does. He delivers and keeps on delivering. How does God deliver me today? He delivers me through the flow of grace and mercy on a daily basis. He also uses hardships, trials, and even the unkind world around me. 

Living in the present darkness can be a disappointing and discouraging experience. It is so easy to be disillusioned and distressed to the point of exhaustion spiritually and physically. Here is where I face a crossroads each day. How will I deal with all of this? I could numb the pain with what the world provides (alcohol, drugs, television, work, etc.). But I could also find an inexhaustible supply of God’s comfort each day. This is what he wants for me. 

I need to take the promises of God from the Word of God and believe they are for me. I need to apply God’s promises for personal revival. This will shake me from spiritual lethargy and disappointment. Even my thorn in the flesh opens the way to more than sufficient grace. How joyful I am because I am as one to whom the LORD does not charge with iniquity and in whose spirit is no deceit! I acknowledge my sin to the LORD. I don’t conceal my iniquity. He forgives the guilt of my sin. I will pray to Him so that when the great floodwaters come in life, they will not reach me. God is my hiding place. He protects me from trouble. He surrounds me with joyful shouts of deliverance (see Psalm 32.2-7)!

Difficulties and disillusionment may abound in my life for Christ. However, so many more comforts abound through Christ (see 2 Corinthians 1.5). His loving kindness is better than life. His love is poured out in my heart. So, when I realize that the catalyst for all this is the suffering I go through (major and minor), I can say that it is good that I have been tested and afflicted. “Who among you fears the LORD and listens to his servant? Who among you walks in darkness, and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD; let him lean on his God” (Isaiah 50.10).