WAITING IN THE WILDERNESS
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PUBLIC SCHOOLS PUSH GENDER AND SEXUALITY DIVERSITY
BIDEN’S SECRET DEALS DID NOT END WITH UKRAINE
ELEVEN HOUSE DEMS NOT PUBLICLY SUPPORTING IMPEACHMENT
3 WAYS YOU CAN AFFECT THE IMPEACHMENT PROCESS
WAITING IN THE WILDERNESS
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The WEIGHT of your faith is being strengthened through the WAIT in the wilderness….
I don’t know if you can relate, but I have recently been going through a season where I feel like I am walking in blind faith. I don’t see any tangible results of some things I’ve been praying about—for years. I am still waiting for long-held promises to come to pass and am often tempted to simply move on to something else. Any zeal from years past seems to be a fading memory and inspiration doesn’t come as quickly or as easily.
I see postings online about “glory meetings” and revival services where God’s tangible presence brings instantaneous joy, miracles of healing, and extraordinary encounters with the Lord. I know those realities and have tasted them many times through the years. And yet…I am finding that there is a level of faith, joy, and encounter that can only come through a TESTING OF TIME. In seasons where the glory does not come, the miracle does not happen, and the anointing does not fall, faith is often purified. In THESE times, in the WILDERNESS OF WAITING, faith can be refined and strengthened. In the absence of “the glory” and the divine intervention, our trust in God is often strongest (1 Peter 1:6-8).
I was given a personal word recently that has been given to me repeatedly through the years – that the JOY OF THE LORD would increase in my life. My middle name is Joy and I know this is my inheritance. Even as one who has carried weighty things deeply in my heart through the years, I do believe there is a joy that only comes through time and aging—just like good wine. There is a joy that can only come from spending time in the wilderness. There is a joy that can only be accessed by passing through the waters, walking through fires, and waiting for morning light.
For those who are waiting and those who still long to see that “greater glory” of God’s presence revealed, I say THE BEST IS YET TO COME! Rather than fearing we have missed something, or our prayers have not been heard, now is the time to make room for a JOY that is not based on our response to the atmosphere or any contrived emotion. It is a joy born of HOPE. It is a joy determined to LAUGH at the enemy in the face of insurmountable odds. It is a joy not based on circumstances, but on the faithfulness of God. It is a joy that is being aged and carefully cultivated, awaiting its appointed time of breakthrough.
And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You. (Psalm 39:7 ESV)
Through both the WEIGHT and the WAIT, there is a coming JOY that will eclipse all previous expressions of gladness and praise. The FATHER’S JOY will erupt and pour out from heaven, coming through those who wait in expectation and refuse to give up in the silence.
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Wanda, I want to say thank you for your heart and spirit. God has created a platform for you to share your heart , and for others .I have learned that in the waiting, He speaks to us so clearly and He’s just setting us up for a miracle.
Over 6 years ago I had a go – kart accident . I was at a dead stop . I was slammed into by a kid behind me. He hit me so hard , it knocked the shoe off my foot . I found out later that he was handicapped . They had a function at Mulligans for handicapped kids . They were allowed to ride them , even with a nervous problem . It was so unfair . I couldn’t believe that happened. I was in so much pain and it took alot out me , because I do hair . Through the years I slowly got worse . Praying and waiting for God to touch me because He has done so many other miracles. I couldn’t understand why that had happened. So many questions became worry .I ended up with a bulging disc that was pushing into my carotid artery and swollen lymph node . I started to hang up my apron because I was in and out of the emergency. Steroids, pain pills, ice packs. You just go through the motions of survival . I was laying on my bed , just telling God “This is not the abundant life You died for me to have. where’s the abundance ?” Just laying there in pain and tears . I just started thanking Him for everything He has done . He reminded me of past miracles . I asked Him to forgive me of complaining and just loving on Him .
3 days later. I was feeling better and decided to go outside and water my plants . There was a passerby walking his dog. I looked up , and then looked back down, when I did that my foot slipped and lost my balance . I fell forward, trying to avoid the fall . I pushed into the steps and then it pushed me back from the force of the fall. I felt like I was on a roller coaster . When I fell back. I fell into my palm tree . I hit it so hard , I thought I broke my shoulder . But the jolt was so strong , I felt something in my neck. The pain was gone on top of my head. My body felt different . It knocked my neck back into place . I ended up with a 3 inch palm frahn in my shoulder . Obstructed my whole arm . But my neck was fixed ! It was a miracle! I was able to enjoy the fireworks , my son’s birthday . We went to Knott’s Berry Farm with my family . I love roller coasters , but I was nervous. I took a leap of faith and tried it . It was awesome! No pain ! I went on the second one , ( which is my favorite) Silver Bullet . I got on , before we took off the Spirit of God came upon me and said , ” This is the abundant life I died for you to have !” And I took off ! I had tears in my eyes ! I was so elated I was in euphoria! . The ride was over and I had so much joy that I hadn’t felt in a very long time .
Our lives are roller coasters. but we have got to find joy in all the twists and turns and even in the upside downs !
John 10:10 Satan comes to kill , steal , and destroy. but Jesus has come to give life and life more abundantly .
It is His perfect will for us to be healed . Desperation + desperation = miracle .
To God be all the glory !
AMEN I needed to hear that today lifting up one another is needed and very important we need one another
Thank you for your message it has inspired me. But there is a time that when prayers are not answered yea or nay and nothing happens. When does the time come when you must quit and take another direction?
My response, Ronald, is that we never “quit” but simply give God room to do things His way and in His time. I was recently reminded that it is up to Him to fulfill His promises, not ours (Jeremiah 1:12). Blessings!
Wow, does this speak to me personally, and many of my co-laborers in Christ THANK YOU
Wanda,
Your writings have inspired me and given me tremendous hope in this time of great testings. I have served the Lord many years but now with all the ongoing bombardment, it sometimes feels that I am out in the wilderness alone. Elijah seemed to feel similarly. Thank you for your courage and grace to share your journey with those of us who “wait on the Lord”. Thanks for standing!
Blessings to you, Faye, as you continue to wait. May the journey bring you a greater sense of WONDER as to the greatness of God and His immense love for you and your entire household!
Thank you Wanda for your posting. My first husband and I were in the meeting in Miami in 1972 when Intercessors was birthed. Since then, much has happened in my life that has been testing and trials to develop patience in me and my faith in a faithful God. I lost my husband of 40yrs 10 yrs ago. I remarried 6 yrs ago to a kind Christian man – who is quite different than my first husband. The Lord is teaching me to be more patient than ever seemed necessary before. But, Hallelujah, God has been good and the lessons are easier for me to learn from. I believe more than ever that God is Good – which proves to be the resounding truth in the midst of a hostile culture of lies and deception. We must fight the good fight of faith. God not only requires it, He will sustain us in it.
Bless you, Jeni, for your faithfulness through the years. May this season be especially good to you with increased endurance, sustaining grace, and fruitfulness for your entire household.
I always look forward to what you share. That article back a little ways so spoke to my heart.The one about removing your left arm. I have a portion of that written out and often refer back to it. Yes, our identity and focus must always be centered on the Cross. When our hearts are full of love and compassion for people, family, nations … A word that has been my mainstay is really two words..enabling Grace. I can do nothing in and of myself. It is His grace alone that enables me. That is why in an of ourselves we can boast of nothing. Has been a very sobering word. Thank you again for being so faithful to share with us what He is speaking to your heart. Helping us to stay in the race.
Yes, Linda! Thank God for His enabling grace!
Thank you for the encouraging message. I find it hard at times not to be discouraged with the constant battles between secular humanists and Christians. I find that Isaiah 48:5a,6b renews my faith: “In that day the Lord Almighty will be . . . a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.”
Thanks. I definitely needed this reminder.
Wanda
Once again I see how God has anointed you in writing from your heart. So humble to share true feelings that minister to others. God uses you in the wilderness to help others.
We in our minds have things we want to accomplish or experience in the Lord but He orders our steps. He reminded me the other day to give thanks in all things. In the natural it is not easy but in our spirit man we can do it.
You are JOY & you will experience it again soon.
Thank you sweet woman of God for encouraging us even in your wilderness.
Bless you
Dear Pat – If my transparency can encourage others, I am so thankful. I find that there are many others who are walking the same wilderness journey and it’s such a comfort to know we are in this together. I pray you are experiencing new levels of God’s presence and provision – you are SO deserving! (We really miss your presence in the office!)
Thank you so much for this Word. It is the voice of God to me today.
Lord, I believe that You will make all things beautiful in Your time. Please help me to trust and to patiently wait on Your timing. In Jesus Name, amen.
Thank you for this reassurance that God is still in control and He will bring all things into the light and we will experience Joy. Be still and know that I am the Lord.
I feel like I have been on a wilderness journey for so long now. I am constantly looking for the end but i have not yet come to that place. I long, deeply, for the Greater Glories. I long for the weighty presence found in His glory! Thank you for this writing. It assures me that I’m not off trekking by myself, that there are others who are in the wilderness too. It reminds me that God has not forsaken me to die in this place of nothingness and that there are glories yet to be seen and experienced! Thank you and God bless you for all you do in this Kingdom work!
To a fellow WANDA! – One meaning of our name is “to wander” and YET, according the Lord, we are ones who “WALK WITH the Lord” – even through the valleys. He’s so much closer than we imagine:-).
As I read the prayers the Lord said to me BE STILL AND KNOW I AM GOD. He is in control everything. With all the confusion and media and tv we are being bombarded in our eye gates and ear gates. I have been shutting TV off and cell phone off. It’s hard but the peace and quiet in the house is great. I sit in a chair and put Christian CDs for a few minutes. It allows you to think. The enemy is after our eye gates and ear gates. We need to get away from distractions. Go out side look at nature and get calm. Enjoy the simple things Father has given us. Jesus got away to pray.
Beautifully written! A warrior that reflects a tender, humble heart. Many who stand as one pressing through that fog of war ( spiritual) and gaining strength of “knowing” our God and the Captain of His Army ahead.
SM – I am so glad to be in the company of many tender-hearted warriors who are still standing – regardless of what the enemy throws at us:-)
Thank you LORD GOD and thank you Wanda Alger for posting this today. I just had an encounter with God this morning about this. He answered my tears in the sweetest of ways.
Thank you, Wanda. I have read your articles for many years and appreciate your faith and insight. Yes, patience and trust are definitely gifts Christians need and we can be sure He IS trustworthy! He knows best and will fulfill all His plan, purposes and promises in His time. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Thank you, Betsy!