Through the Wilderness

Through the Wilderness

"So we detoured around our brothers, the people of Esau who live in Seir, avoiding the Arabah Road that comes up from Elath and Ezion Geber; instead, we used the road through the Wilderness of Moab." (Deut. 2:8)

A wise man once said, “If life is hard, then we do it hard.” Another asked, “When people say, ‘Life is hard,’ compared to what?” Both thoughts point to the same truth: the way we define life depends on how we perceive it.

At times, God deliberately instructs us to take the more difficult path—reasons known only to Him. Often, it’s only in hindsight that we realize the wisdom of His leading. As Scripture says, “Had the rulers of this world known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” (1 Cor. 2:8)

Because of God’s instructions, Moses and the children of Israel bypassed the familiar Arabah Road and instead took the wilderness route through Moab. Likewise, when God leads us through a wilderness season, it is never without purpose. The wilderness is His refining fire—a place where impurities are burned away, and character is forged strong enough to sustain the destiny He has prepared for us.

The psalmist captures this process: “For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net, You laid affliction on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water, but You brought us out into a place of abundance.” (Ps. 66:10–12 AMP)

So, when the road seems hard, remember—it is the path of refinement that leads to glory.

Have a fruitful day,
(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift)

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