We all love to hear testimonies of how God has healed someone or powerfully delivered them from a difficult circumstance.
But what about the people who are still in the midst of the wilderness? Those whose healing or deliverance hasn’t come yet?
How do we walk faithfully in the midst of “not yet”?
As I walk through my own ongoing health issues, I’m continually learning the importance of doing some key things that help to bring me hope in what often feels like the wilderness.
Remain in Christ
Jesus says, “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with Me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing.” John 15:4-5
In this verse the Greek word for “remain” is “meno” and translates “to remain, abide, stay, wait.” To make your home in Christ.
For me, it is essential to do everything I can to simply remain. Depending on what you’re going through, some days just being intentional about remaining in Christ is a victory!
Trust
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Even when I don’t understand God’s timing, I have to make a decision to trust Him; to believe that He is in control, and He is good.
Encourage Yourself in the Lord
Like the psalmist, sometimes we just have to tell our soul, “Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” Psalm 103
This one is essential. Some ways I encourage myself in Christ daily are reading the Bible, listening to sermons, turning on music and worshiping God, meeting with friends, prayer, remembering the prophetic words God has spoken over me, begin giving thanks to God for everything I can think of.
I find that I have to be intentional about doing these things. Sometimes it feels easier to throw a pity party but that doesn’t get you anywhere good. I can’t tell you how many times I have felt discouraged only to make myself be encouraged in Christ, and it instantly brings joy.
Remain in Community
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another…” Hebrews 10:25
Koinonia is a Greek word that means “community, communion, joint participation, sharing and intimacy.” It’s essential for us to regularly have times of koinonia with God and with other believers. Look for ways to connect even when you’re not feeling so great.
This week I want to encourage you, if you’re in the midst of the wilderness, to just keep walking! Remain in Christ, trust Him, encourage yourself in the Lord, and keep fellowshipping with other believers.
God is good and He can be trusted. He’ll deliver you in His timing…which always ends up being the right timing.
