Wilderness Lessons:
The wilderness is not just a barren place—it’s a refining place. Israel spent 40 years there, not because God had abandoned them, but because He was shaping their mindset before leading them into promise. Luke 11:35 warns us: “See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.” Sometimes what we think is clarity is actually comfort that keeps us from moving forward.
Many of us camp in the wilderness. We settle at “oases”—temporary places of relief—mistaking them for the destination. Distractions like relationships, money, or even achievements can look like “light,” but they blur our true vision. The danger is not always in the dark valleys, but in the false light that convinces us we’ve arrived when we’ve only paused.
If you realize you’ve mistaken temporary relief for lasting purpose, shift your perspective. Ask:
Is this thing I’m holding onto sharpening or blurring my vision?
Have I made a resting place my permanent address?
Am I pursuing alignment with God, or settling for comfort?
Repentance here looks like letting go of the false light and re-centering your vision on the true treasure—your God-given purpose.
Journal: What oases in my life am I tempted to settle in?
Pray: Ask God to expose any “light that is still darkness” in your journey.
Take one step (no matter how small) toward the bigger purpose God is calling you to. That might be reaching out for mentorship, starting that project, or revisiting a dream you buried.
✨ Remember: The wilderness is a passage, not a home. Don’t camp where you were only meant to pass through.
JournalwithJulia 