Fear Gone WildSample

As we wander through our desolate places, we discover who we really are and how great our need for God really is. The wilderness isn’t optional; it’s an integral part of life. We all walk through tragedies and trials, and we have either gone through, are going through, or will go through, something painful.

Maybe, like me, you planned out your life, but it didn’t pan out the way you wanted it to.

Maybe the promotion you thought was coming never came.

Maybe the dream you had in mind never became a reality.

Maybe there was a relapse instead of remission.

Maybe there was a divorce instead of reconciliation.

Maybe you want to start a family, and though you’ve been trying for years, your arms are still empty.

Maybe you deeply desire to be married, and though you’ve gone on date after date, you are still single.

Maybe you were healthy but then illness came out of nowhere, and you are waiting for healing.

Maybe you were enjoying a stable, smooth life, but now you’re sitting in a season of depression that is dark, ugly, terrifying, and debilitating. And maybe for the first time ever, you are wrestling with suicidal thoughts that you never thought you would have.

Time in the wilderness will come for us all, but it doesn’t have to ruin our lives. With God, with the power of the Holy Spirit, and with supernatural strength and peace, we can survive and even thrive in the empty places. To remind myself of this hope, I’ve hung a green metal sign in my kitchen right above the stove. I read it every morning and believe every word. It says, “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you’ll ever know.” Every word is true. Our most hated circumstances do not define us. We are not what has happened to us or within us. Our worth is found in Him who sees past all the mess, the chaos, the exterior facade and looks straight at the heart. Even on our worst day He calls us precious, honored, and loved. And maybe that’s all we need to hear today.

You are precious.

You are honored.

You are loved.