Dust

I'm an Israelite. I’ve complained against the Lord in the heat of the desert. If it weren’t so hot and if the wind was not in my face, I would have a better perspective and be fine. Why is the desert essential to growth? Does God really allow us to walk through the desert to glorify Him?

You may recall the end of the story: the Israelites put their trust and hope in the power of the Lord and the truth of His Word. They realized that He was in control the entire time. It must have been a little embarrassing for them, humbling at the least. Isn’t the same true for us? Why did I fret? Why did I get so angry at you and others, Lord, when really, it was all for my good? Ultimately, it was all for Your glory, Lord.

God is faithful and rules sovereignly over ALL our trials; He governs and orders them. Do you believe that? Could it possibly be true? Why would He bring something so painful and difficult into our lives? So that in the end, when it is all said and done, we will fear Him and put our trust in Him. Strong words, but true. I assure you of this. God is holy and wants us to be holy and it just so happens that circumstances are one way to draw us closer to Him and holiness. And, sometimes these circumstances appear to us as too much to bear.

I once faced a very difficult situation and had to face much of it alone. Although not many people audibly heard my complaints, I can say with honesty that they existed in my heart. Tears flowed inside me. Why, Lord? Why this? Why now? What at all? It was extremely difficult to understand, let alone to aim to trust Him through it. Yet, in God's great mercy and love, He remained faithful to me when I was faithless. And, the end result continues to be something beautiful, not outward, but deep and lasting within.

I’ve seen fruit of the trial. I’ve seen His goodness, and even if I never see the ultimate answers to some questions, I trust Him. And, I saw it again tonight. How kind of Him to show me through a friend that He continues to use what I saw as darkness to bring light to others. HE uses the trial, which He brought into my life, so He might be glorified and others might grow in holiness.

Our God has a history that is worth studying. He has a way in which He cares for His people, and He is committed to continue to declare His fame both on His own, and through our lives. How blessed we are to be a part of that!

So, the sand, the heat, the wind and dust are okay, as long as I know He governs it all.