3 Key Questions When in a Wilderness, Feeling Abandoned by God

If we look back over our lives, we all can see times when we learned from the hard times. But it's hard to feel like anything positive can come from the hard times we are currently experiencing.

Three questions help. They don't lift the burden, but they move us toward learning, even toward appreciation for the hard times.

The first one is the most challenging. 

Do I believe I'm entitled to God's provision?

A sense of entitlement isn't anything new. It doesn't belong to a certain generation or political persuasion. A sense of entitlement is at least as old as the Exodus.

In Exodus 17, the people of Israel, recently redeemed by God from slavery and traveling through a wilderness, start acting entitled. They "test the Lord" (Exodus 17:2) by challenging him and demanding what they want, when they want, the way they want it. 

Seth Godin asks why would we ever choose entitlement over it's opposite, gratitude. Entitlement blinds us to what's possible. Gratitude moves us to possibilities, to action, to grater happiness. ("Entitlement is Optional")

Making demands of God, rather than coming humbly and asking and waiting, makes us miserable and it's destructive. 

Do I believe God is good? 

This is the most important question we can ask when we're in a "wilderness" experience because without a good God, there is no hope.

What you're going through may be horrific, but God went through horrific for us on the cross. He did that for you. He is good. 

The Israelites quickly forgot how good God is. We forget, too.

The third question is the most comforting, if we know the answer.

Do I believe God is with me? 

Paul reflects on that day recorded in Exodus 17, when God told Moses to draw water from a rock by striking it. He explains that the rock was Christ. Christ was there on that day when they thirsted. 

Moses struck the rock instead of the people. God struck Christ--he struck himself--instead of you and me on the cross. 

God was there. He is here. He is with you. 

For a powerful story of hope rising from the wilderness, go 27 minutes into the sermon below or link here to watch it.     

Feeling compromised? Learn to live your convictions.

I'm a great believer in compromise...in marriage, in politics, in negotiations of all kinds. 

Living compromised is another animal. Living compromised means violating our core convictions. Living compromised leaves us with deep regrets and shame. 

There is often a fine line between the two. Working and neighboring with people who don't share many of our core convictions as Christians requires much grace and discernment. It requires compromise. But this fine line is not what I'm talking about here.

I'm talking about wanting to be a great mom or dad (conviction), but consistently blowing the family off for work (compromised). 

I'm talking about wanting a pure mind (conviction), but consistently filling it impure content (compromised). 

Wanting to serve others (conviction), but consistently only making time for ourselves (compromised). 

A compromised life ends in deep regret when the kids grow, the fantasies drain joy out of our reality, and there is only a trail of self-serving action to show for your lives.

But living by your convictions, consistently, is hard. We need a band of brothers and sisters. We need our small group of believers, a small group where the participants are open and honest about their struggles and are willing to come alongside each other with encouragement and support.

Our men's ministry (Journeymen) is tackling this on two fronts right now. They have launched the Conquer Series. It's a cinematic teaching series on sexual purity that is not about behavior modification, but heart transformation. 

They will also hold a Men's Summit January 27-29 to connect with other men, grow deeper in faith, and have a great time together in a beautiful location. Vince Miller (founder of Resolute) is the speaker. He will be unpacking four factors that will launch your life into Christ-centered conviction. 

Guys, you can register here for the Men's Summit, "Becoming the Man God has Called You to Be." 

I hope to see you at the Summit.