Joy In The Desert

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

On a pilgrimage tour to Israel, our accommodations varied. We were in a luxury hotel with waters flowing in from the Dead Sea. Then we stayed in a kibbutz, an Israeli farm community. It was in the middle of the desert. It was so bare and yet, it was one of the most special experiences on that pilgrimage. Your pilgrimage on earth is the same way. Often what you think is the most meaningful: gaining money, riches, comfort, big houses, reputation or status turns out to be nothing in the end. But those things you didn't expect - the times of prayer, of love with your family, giving, helping, those times that maybe weren't comfortable, but were God's will, growing closer to Him, worshiping Him, persevering in righteousness, being faithful in Him are the things at the end of the journey that have the most glory. Because it's not the luxury hotels that are going to mean anything, but the places you spend being faithful, doing His will, loving, rejoicing, blessing, close in His arms, your kibbutz in the desert - that's what will mean everything in the world.

From Message #622 - A Guide For The Pilgrim