Christianity / Devotionals / Greg Laurie Daily Devotions / Rivers in the Wasteland - Greg Laurie Devotion - June 16, 2022

Rivers in the Wasteland - Greg Laurie Devotion - June 16, 2022

As Christians, we often long to experience God's presence on mountaintops of emotional highs, but it's in the valleys of hardship and difficulty that our faith is truly tested and grown. By embracing trials as opportunities for spiritual growth, we can partner with Christ in his suffering and discover a deeper sense of refreshment and purpose.

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Rivers in the Wasteland

“I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19 NLT).

We want to live on emotional mountaintops, but the reality is that spiritual fruit does not grow on mountaintops; it grows in the valleys. It grows in times of difficulty.

In Isaiah 43, God said, “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland” (verse 19 NLT).

It’s in the wasteland, in the hardships, in the difficulties that I often experience God in a way that I don’t experience Him anywhere else.

James wrote, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (James 1:2-4 NLT).

Maybe you're facing a time of hardship right now. Maybe you’ve had the bottom drop out in life, and you’re asking, “Why is this happening to me? I’m a Christian. I’m walking with Jesus, yet this hardship has befallen me. What have I done to deserve this?”

Every Christian will face trials in life—for their own good. Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT). He didn’t say you might have trials and sorrows; He said you will have them.

And 1 Peter 4:12-13 tells us, “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering” (NLT).

Spiritual refreshment comes from times of spiritual testing.

Copyright © 2022 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com and weekly podcast on LifeAudio.com.

Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.

The Revelation Answer Book by Mark HitchcockThe Revelation Answer Book by Mark Hitchcock

The book of Revelation is one of the most fascinating and misunderstood books in the Bible. In The Revelation Answer Book, respected prophecy teacher Mark Hitchcock walks through key questions about Revelation in a clear and engaging Q&A format. You’ll explore topics like the mark of the beast, the identity of the 144,000, the Antichrist, the Tribulation, and the return of Jesus, all with solid biblical insight and a focus on hope. Request your copy this month with your gift to Harvest Ministries.

Click here to find out more!

SHARE