Prodigal: I’ll be dogged if there ain’t so much sand around.

Me: Yes, there is. You will not get lost if you focus on the Lord.

This is from the book God Will Make a Way: Stories of Hope

In a genuine wilderness, there are no roads or even well-worn paths. This is especially true in the Middle East, were desert sands can shift overnight, completely changing the dunes and valleys of a landscape. A roadway in the wilderness must be revealed and pursued on a daily basis.

How do you navigate across shifting sands? By looking into the face of the clear night sky, getting one’s bearings in relationship to the stars, and pursuing a course regardless of what things may look like the following morning. So it is with our lives. As we look to the Lord for guidance and directions, we know where to walk and what to do–regardless of the shifting circumstances around us.

And what about rivers in the desert? They do exist–they simply don’t flow upon the surface of the sands were we can readily see them. Rather, water in the desert flows deep under the earth’s crust. At times, it flows up through crevices of rock to form an artesian well or an oasis. Other times, it puddles just below the surface and a well must be dug. The river is always flowing, however, and if you dig deep enough, the water can be brought to the surface.

So it is with God’s provision. It is always available, just under the surface of what we can see or experience. Occasionally God causes His provision to appear before us suddenly and effortlessly. Often, though, His provision is not so obvious, and we must dig deeper. The good news of God’s provision is that He knows the way through the wilderness. He provides the life-giving water that we need on a daily basis. He is our guide and He will provide.

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org