Pressing On

“Then they came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters.” Exodus 15:27

In completing my Bible Study this morning I learned the difference between a desert and a wilderness. A desert is a barren expanse that supports little life or vegetation, whereas a wilderness is able to support a large variety of life. Elim was the place God provided the Israelites with renewal, restoration and hope for the weary travelers. It was where He “made them lie down in green pastures and led them beside still waters and restored their souls.” (Psalm 23:2-3)

Previously, I equated my adversities with “being in the desert” but now realize that it is the wilderness wherein we are placed. God peppers our paths with knolls of pasture in which to lay, reflect and enjoy the refreshing dew from Heaven. He leads us into seasons of quietness, reverence and an awareness of our need for Him. Through these heightened times of awareness He restores, refreshes and replenishes all that has been depleted through the previous valleys in our wilderness experience.

Being surrendered to the leadings of the Holy Spirit is a key element in receiving this renewal. God wants us to come to Him and receive all that is ours through our choice and not through His forced hand. We must submit everything to Him to free up the flow from the Holy Spirit if we desire to truly wade in the Living Waters, splash its cool liquid on our faces and drench our entire weary body and soul.

“This supply is the Holy Spirit empowering you, comforting you and encouraging you to press on.” Priscilla Shirer, One In A Million, p. 53.