Not every desert story is the same. Mine began when my health began to fail, eventually confining me to my home. Looking for the positive, I could see that this allowed me more time to immerse myself in God's Word. Writing devotionals has given me purpose and a way of sharing God's amazing love.

Now, another storm has left me relying on oxygen therapy to perform the most basic tasks, such as dressing, and especially putting on my socks. I am forever trying to reinvent myself and stay positive, yet sometimes, I feel like I am losing the battle. But God hears our prayers and is faithful.

1 Corinthians 10:13b – God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (ESV)

I have learned that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13 NKJV), for He is my oasis.

It is in the desert where trials have grown and stretched my faith. This oasis has instilled in me the ability to persevere.

Christians far too often find themselves lost in a spiritual wilderness. It takes only a few independent steps to slip away from God's guidance and become aimless wanderers. The greater the distance between ourselves and our Father, the more difficult it is to hear His voice. Maturing and growing in our faith ceases as spiritual and physical dehydration take place. Without Jesus' living water, spiritual death seems imminent.

Battles are fought in our minds every day. When we begin to feel that the battle is just too difficult and we want to give up, we must choose to resist negative thoughts and be determined to rise above our problems. We must decide that we are not going to quit. When we are bombarded with doubts and fears, we must take a stand and say (with Joyce Meyer): "I'll never give up! God is on my side. He loves me, and He is helping me! I am going to make it!"

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, we thank You for being our oasis when we find ourselves lost in the desert. You bring calm in the middle of chaos, and You shelter us from our enemies. You fill our cup to overflowing with cool spring water and shade us from the scorching sun. Jesus says (John 4:14 ESV) "Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again." Amen.

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About the author:

Lois Macdonald <loismacs5@gmail.com>
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
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