Continuing in Him: Embracing the Journey Through the Desert
Inspired by Chapter 18 of The Green Letters by Miles J. Stanford
"The foundation of God stands sure, having this seal: The Lord knows those who are His." — 2 Timothy 2:19
The Christian life often begins with a burst of excitement, much like the enthusiasm of a hiker setting off on a scenic trail. But as the trail stretches on, it winds into desolate landscapes—the desert, where the ground is cracked, the air feels dry, and progress seems painstakingly slow. The early zeal of “doing” begins to fade, replaced by God’s invitation to simply be.
This desert experience isn’t accidental; it is intentional. Our Father leads us through these dry and barren places not to abandon us but to form us. It’s here, when the externals are stripped away, that He teaches us to love and trust Him for who He is, not for what He gives. It’s in the desert where the shift begins—from clinging to gifts and blessings to embracing the Giver Himself.
The Parable of the Potter
Imagine a potter at work. The lump of clay sits motionless on the wheel, seemingly enduring endless pressing, shaping, and refining. To the untrained eye, the process may seem harsh, even unnecessary, as the potter scrapes away imperfections and molds the clay according to his design. Yet the potter sees the finished product—a vessel of honor, beautifully crafted and fully functional.
So it is with us. In the desert seasons of spiritual life, God is shaping us, refining our character, and deepening our dependence on Him. These are not wasted seasons but critical times of preparation for the good works He has planned for us.
Learning to Trust the Process
Miles J. Stanford reminds us that our spiritual progress isn’t always visible to us—and that’s okay. God works not on our timeline but on His. In those moments when prayer feels forced, Bible study grinds to a halt, and fellowship seems distant, the foundation of God stands firm: “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19).
This process, though baffling at times, leads to maturity in Christ. As Watchman Nee beautifully states, “The spiritual things of God are less and less outward, that is, of gift, and more and more inward, of life.” What begins as doing for God transforms into being in Him, reflecting His life and character as we rest in His sufficiency.
Encouragement to Continue
Dear believer, if you find yourself in the desert, know that it is not the end of the journey but part of the greater story God is writing. Every dry season is preparing you to be a vessel of His life, one that can pour out His grace to those who are thirsty and in need.
You may not feel the progress, but rest assured: He is at work, forming and shaping you into the image of His Son. And the beauty of this process is that it doesn’t rely on your strength but on His. He began the work, and He will complete it.
A Prayer of Confidence in His Work
Father,
Thank You for continuing Your work in us, even when we don’t see it or understand it. We trust You in the desert places, knowing that every season is part of Your good and perfect plan. You are the Potter, and we are the clay. Form us according to Your will, so that our lives may reflect Your glory. We rejoice in Your faithfulness, confident that You are bringing us into the fullness of life in Christ. Amen.
Final Thought
Like the clay on the potter’s wheel, trust the steady hand of your Maker. The desert seasons may feel barren, but they are essential. In His hands, even the driest places will yield fruit in their time. Continue in Him, for He is faithful.