Life can feel like a wilderness sometimes. You push forward, feeling optimistic and determined. But then… unexpected obstacles show up and seem to impede the path you thought was taking you into a successful places seems to
The story of the Israelites in the Book of Exodus offers a powerful reminder that processes can be tough. Here they were, a people freed from slavery, promised a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8). Excitement likely filled their hearts. Yet, their journey wasn’t a straight shot. For forty years they wandered the desert, facing hunger, thirst, and internal conflict (Exodus 16:3).
Imagine the toll this took on their confidence. Their initial trust in God’s plan surely wavered. They grumbled, questioned Moses’ leadership (Exodus 17:2-3), and even yearned for their past life in Egypt (Exodus 16:3). The process, long and arduous, threatened to break their spirit.
But here’s the thing: Just because something didn’t work doesn’t mean nothing will. The Israelites’ journey wasn’t a mistake. It was part of God’s plan, a time to refine them, to test their faith (Deuteronomy 8:2).
The key to weathering a challenging process is to focus on what you can control. In the Book of Exodus, Moses reminds the people of God’s faithfulness: “He knows the way we take; with fire he tests us like refined gold” (Psalm 66:10 NLT). The Israelites could choose their thought patterns. They could dwell on the difficulties, or they could hold onto the promise – a land of their own.
Grace can give you the power to defeat disappointment. When the path seems endless, when doubt whispers in your ear, remember God’s grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). His grace empowers you to adjust your approach. Maybe your efforts haven’t yielded results because you haven’t tried something new. The Israelites eventually stopped striking the rock for water, a method that wasn’t working, and followed God’s instructions (Numbers 20:7-11). A shift in strategy led to a breakthrough.
Your process might be messing with your confidence, but it doesn’t have to define you. Just like the Israelites, you are on a journey. There will be bumps, there will be detours, but God’s grace is with you every step of the way. Consider what you try, how you try, and when you try. If something isn’t working, be open to new approaches. Hold onto the promise, and trust that God is refining you for the life He has planned.