Daily Devotional - Transition to Power - WK30 - 07/26/24 - Day 187 "Faith in the Desert"

Author: Evangelist Lisa L. Dalton

Faith in the Desert
Scripture:  Numbers 33:8 (KJV)

"8 And they departed from before Pihahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days'journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah. "

Devotion:
The journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land was marked by miraculous events and challenging trials. Numbers 33:8 highlights a significant moment: crossing the Red Sea and entering the desert. This verse captures both a miraculous deliverance and the beginning of a journey through a harsh and barren land.

What can we learn from their transition to power?
1. **Divine Deliverance: ** The crossing of the Red Sea was a monumental act of God’s deliverance. It’s a reminder that God’s power can make a way where there seems to be no way. Just as He parted the waters for the Israelites, God can intervene in our lives, providing deliverance from our struggles and challenges.

2. **Desert Experiences: ** After the miraculous crossing, the Israelites faced the desert, a place of testing and dependence on God. Our lives often follow a similar pattern—times of unbelievable breakthroughs followed by seasons of testing. These desert experiences are opportunities for growth, deepening our trust in God’s provision and guidance. My own desert experiences lasted three years. Then the Lord told me “Rehab was over, and I could go home!” Sometimes He has to take us from our native line to clean us up so we can go back home and work whole and work for Him.

3. **Faith and Perseverance: ** The Israelites traveled for three days without finding water, eventually arriving at Marah, where the water was bitter. This situation required faith and perseverance. In our own lives, we may encounter bitter and difficult circumstances, but these are chances to trust in God's faithfulness and to grow in endurance. Any type of training will require you to endure some untasteful food. But every bit of those nutrients was good for what we were training for.

Prayer: 
Lord, we thank You for the ways You deliver us from our troubles and lead us through the deserts of life. Help us to remember Your power and faithfulness in times of difficulty. Strengthen our faith and perseverance as we journey through challenging circumstances. May we always rely on Your guidance and provision. Amen.

Application:
Consider a time when you experienced a "Red Sea" moment—a time when God intervened miraculously in your life. Reflect on how that experience strengthened your faith. Now think about a current challenge you’re facing. How can you apply the lessons learned from your past deliverance to your present situation? Trust that just as God led the Israelites through the sea and the desert, He will lead you through your current challenges.