The Wilderness of Pressure!

Scripture:  Deuteronomy 8:2–3 — "And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna… that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live."

Devotion:  The Israelites wandered for forty years through a wilderness rife with uncertainty, facing countless challenges along the way. Stress enveloped them, manifesting in their lack of food, water, and any clear path forward. Yet, Moses reminds them, "The Lord thy God led thee." Such stressful seasons are not indicators of God's absence but rather evidence of His active presence. The same divine hand that guided Israel through the wilderness continues to lead you today.

When life feels akin to a barren desert, it is essential to remember that stress often reveals the direction we should take. God does not squander moments spent in the wilderness; instead, these experiences strip away our self-reliance and awaken our dependence on Him. In this challenging landscape, God was not punishing Israel; instead, He was meticulously preparing them for what lay ahead.

Today, consider your stress not as a mere detour but as a divine form of direction. Allow the pressure you feel to propel you toward prayer. In moments of overwhelming tension, whisper the heartfelt plea, "Lord, lead me." Remember, He knows the way through the wilderness and understands the purpose behind each trial you face.

Prayer:
"Lord, when I'm in the wilderness, remind me that You are leading me. Teach me through the stress and draw me closer to You."