When you’re in a wilderness,
Father is purifying His gold!
You need to do but one thing:
trust the identity he has given you in Jesus.
“You are my beloved child, my greatest delight!”
Job lost everything: his family, fortunes, and health. He felt abandoned, alone and confused. If I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. (Job 23:8-9)
David had the same experience. God . . . my God! Why did you dump me miles from nowhere? Doubled up with pain, I call to God all day long. No answer. Nothing. (Psalm 22:1-5)
IT’S CALLED “THE WILDERNESS.”
INCREDIBLE TRUST
In the wilderness, Job made a counterintuitive statement of incredible trust. He knows the way that I take … (Job 23:10) In his desolation, Job looked in every cranny of spiritual space, but God was nowhere to be found. And yet, Job believed that God had not lost track of him. God’s GPS (cf. The Mentor of Life) was still working. Previously, Job had declared the roots of his trust. I will continue to trust God even if he kills me. (Job 13:15) “Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.” D. Elton Trueblood The old hymn declares:
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake!”
IDENTITY
In the wilderness, Job made an astounding statement about his identity. When he has tested me, I will come forth as GOLD. (Job 23:10) While in the “place” of tortuous heat, physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually, Job believed he was a priceless child of God. After destroying Jerusalem Nebuchadnezzar transported most of Israel’s population to Babylon. The Jews were in a wilderness of hopelessness. Nonetheless, God sent this message to the exiles. I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Of God’s spectacular plan Job was absolutely confident!
You will trust God to the degree you know you are loved by Him (identity).
