Not long ago, I completed Henry Blackaby’s Bible study, “Experiencing God.” It was my second time doing the study, and I hope to work through it again.

In his study, Blackaby walks participants through the seven realities of experiencing God, including distinguishing God’s voice in your life and following His leading and direction.

Each time I complete the study, I discover a new biblical truth with a practical life application. This time around, I unearthed this wonderful treasure:

“Even though Moses was an exile in the desert, he was on God’s schedule, in the fullness of God’s timing, in the middle of God’s will.”

As I read this statement, I began to think about a desert climate and how difficult survival must have been. I thought about the lack of food, water and shelter, along with the extreme heat one must endure as the sun beats down on the arid land.

The desert seemingly has very little appeal, and I struggled to make the connection with Blackaby’s statement. It wasn’t until I dug a little deeper into scripture that I discovered that the desert is exactly where Moses’ life met God’s purpose.

Exodus 3:8,10 tells us, “I have come down to rescue them [the Israelites] from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

Nothing is ever wasted with God. When He leads us to a desert place, we can trust that He has a plan and purpose. Although the desert may seem lonely and unappealing, it may be the exact place where God wants to bless and encourage you.

Maybe you are at a place in your own life where you feel exiled. Maybe your circumstances have left you questioning God’s plan for your life. You feel like you are in a dry season and wonder if God has abandoned you.

Let me just encourage you to look for God working around you. Perhaps it is in the “desert” that you will find your own life intersecting with God’s plans and purpose.

Dear Father God, Our circumstances can sometimes leave us feeling unsure and afraid. I pray that during these uncertain times, you will sustain us and strengthen our faith. Help us to keep our eyes on You, as we seek to follow You, even into the desert. We look to You to be our source of provision and peace in the desert seasons of our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19

Chanel Bingham is a freelance writer, blogger and public speaker. She resides in Thorsby with her husband and four children. You can visit Chanel at www.thepolishedcanvas.com or on Facebook at “The Polished Canvas.” Her column publishes each week.