It’s interesting how people react differently to news that affects their lives. When I told my neighbor that my family and I were moving to the desert almost two years ago, her response was not what I expected. “You’re wanting to move to the desert?” she asked incredulously. “Yuck. Have you SEEN the desert? We lived in it once and did not like it.”
While I understood where she was coming from, the truth was that we were feeling led to New Mexico to serve our church, even if it meant leaving behind the lush green landscapes of Florida. I knew she was also sad to see us go and we were sad to leave too.
The spiritual parallels between our physical move and the metaphorical “deserts” we face in life are striking. Nobody wants to go through hardship, pain, and disappointment. However, these trials are precisely what God uses to shape us and grow our faith and trust in Him. Jesus himself did not shy away from suffering and trials. He willingly walked through pain and suffering to bring hope to those far from Him and fulfill his mission on earth.
Personally, I’ve gone through some of the most challenging times of my life in recent years. The pain was almost too much to bear, and I went through a crisis of faith trying to understand God’s plan. However, I know that I would not have been changed from the inside out without going through the fire. Maybe your desert has been an unexpected illness, loss, death, change in a relationship or location, or deep disappointment and you’re holding on to hope.
Deserts are a part of life, and we all have to go through them at some point. It’s ironic that after living in the desert for almost two years, I’ve come to appreciate its beauty. I love feeling the warmth of the sun on my face, the dry climate, and the colorful flowers that still manage to bloom here. I also enjoy taking our St. Bernard for a walk through the rocky hills, watching him run with joy. It’s great to have activities like hiking and biking with my family in such a beautiful setting.
If you’re going through a tough time right now, remember to hold fast to your faith and trust in the hope that things will get better. May this desert experience help you grow in your faith and transform you in ways you never imagined. And if people around you don’t understand what you’re going through, keep your focus on your calling and the One who sustains you.
Love,
Samantha
Samantha Krieger is wife to Jeremiah and mama to 2 boys & 2 girls- 15 and under. She’s the author of Quiet Time: A 30-day Devotional Retreat for Moms in the Trenches. Her work has been featured on the Today Show online, For the Family, Love What Matters, and Cafe Mom. She writes from the rugged and beautiful desert of New Mexico. She enjoys connecting with readers on her personal blog, Facebook and Instagram.