“It is always hard to see the purpose in wilderness wanderings until after they are over.”
John Bunyan wrote this about Christian’s journey in the great literary treasure, The Pilgrim’s Progress.
On this Mindful Monday, I feel just a little bit like Christian as he looks back on his journey to the Celestial City. While I cannot fully make sense of everything that has happened to me in my wilderness wanderings, I do see a glimpse of God’s purpose and plan in leading me through the desert.
And part of that includes YOU and anybody else I can reach who may be reading this today.
MAKING SENSE OF MY WILDERNESS
I am that person who needs to write things down to understand and process my thoughts and ideas, so writing and blogging were a natural and necessary way for me to make sense of my wilderness.
Many of you walked this journey with me as I chronicled my recovery, progress, and spiritual growth along the way. In the fall of 2018, I wrote an eight-week blog series entitled THE WAY OF WILDERNESS.
Because of the amount of positive feedback I received from so many of you who were walking in desert wastelands of your own, I decided to take all of these posts plus the extra resources (printables, lists, scripture verses, quotations, and further Bible study) and compile it in a devotional
HOW THE WAY OF THE WILDERNESS TAUGHT ME A NEW THING
Remember the key Bible verse that began my search for a way through the wilderness?
ISAIAH 43:18-19
Forget the former things;
Do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up;
Do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and
streams in the desert wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
What is this NEW THING?
THE WAY OF THE WILDERNESS devotional!
In nine chapters, this beautifully designed book will guide you through any wilderness with truth from scripture, interactive journal pages, resource lists, and further Bible study. It has been uniquely designed for you to take out various pages with quotes, scripture, and key points to remind you of God’s truth on your journey. Use this devotional for personal reflection, with a friend who may be struggling, or in a small group Bible study.
GET YOUR WAY OF THE WILDERNESS DEVOTIONAL TODAY
With the help of my very talented, creative, and generous friend (Michele Moncrief), who worked tirelessly and patiently with me in designing, revising, and laying out this beautiful book, my devotional is now available for purchase directly through my website! Either go to the SHOP tab on the top menu bar or click HERE to purchase your copies. For those of you who are local and want to save on shipping costs by picking up your books, please use coupon code FreeShip19 and I will contact you directly about delivery.
Because I think it is so important to connect with fellow travelers on the journey, I am also offering a special deal if you buy two books…that way you can purchase one for a friend and go through it together!
WAY OF THE WILDERNESS SCRIPTURE & QUOTATION CARDS
One other resource that was invaluable to me as searched for God in the desert were WORDS OF WISDOM. I needed to be reminded daily of the truth found in scripture and from wise, godly people who had also traveled the way of the wilderness. I started using post-it notes and index cards to write out Bible verses and quotations so I could fill my mind with these WORDS OF WISDOM. I compiled lists of these verses and quotes so I could learn to replace my feelings of fear, doubt, and discouragement with God’s promises of protection, hope, and comfort.
Along with the devotional, Michele helped me create myWILDERNESS WISDOM CARDS.
These WILDERNESS WISDOM CARDS make a wonderful addition to the WAY OF THE WILDERNESS devotional. Post them as mini prints, slip them in a note to a friend, or keep them in your Bible for notes or reminders. Receive six (6) 4 x 4 beautifully designed cards which include four (4) scripture verses and two (2) inspirational quotes. There are four (4) different bundles to choose from: Purpose in Suffering, Grace in Trials, Hope in Affliction, and Guidance in the Desert.
These are also available for purchase today by going to the SHOP tab in the top menu bar or by clicking HERE.
LET’S WALK THE WAY OF THE WILDERNESS TOGETHER
Whether you purchase the devotional or Wilderness Wisdom Cards or not, I am grateful for your support, encouragement, and prayers throughout my journey. God continues to use my time in the desert for my good and his glory, so I give him praise and continue to find purpose in my wilderness wanderings. I still believe that he does not waste anything he allows in our lives, so if any part of my story helps anyone who is struggling to make sense of their wilderness experience, I am humbled to be used in this way.
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