Favor in the Wilderness

   “This is what the Lord says:  ‘Those who survive the coming destruction will find blessings even in the barren land.’”  Jeremiah 31:2 NLT

   This promise from Scripture reassures us that in the hard times that are to come, God’s faithful remnant will not only survive, but will thrive.  Because of their devotion to the one true God, He will bless them with extraordinary and unusual blessings that will make them stand out in a crowd, and that will cause those around them to want a relationship with Him.

    When the Lord allows you and me to walk through a “barren land,” it’s only because He has “blessings” for us there that we won’t find anywhere else.  The trials we experience there are not designed to push us down, but to lift us up and exalt us.  Our job is to remain faithful to the Lord – always keeping prayers of faith on our lips, and praises to God in our mouths.

   Psalm 66 talks about how the Lord sometimes allows His people to be “tested” and “refined” through various troubles and trials. (v. 10 NIV)  These trials will not be able to discourage or defeat us if we focus on God’s promise in verse 12, which assures us: “Yet in the end, You always bring us out better than we were before, saturated with Your goodness.”  Hallelujah!

   The NIV translation of Jeremiah 31:2 says that you and I “will find FAVOR in the wilderness.”  Today, thank God for the divine favor and blessings that will show up right in the midst of your wilderness experience!

   Lord, when You allow me to experience troubled times, remind me that it’s only because You have blessings and rewards for me that I cannot receive in the good times.  Guard me from discouragement and disillusionment, and comfort and strengthen me as only You can.  Equip and enable me to follow You wholeheartedly no matter what comes my way.  Thank You that as I keep prayers of faith on my lips, and praises to God in my mouth, I will experience the victories and breakthroughs that will be absolutely life-changing for me and those around me!

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