Trading Up in the Wilderness 

As my brain willed my feet to take 5 more steps, a picture of the plaque hung in my mind.  It had been given to us as a house warming gift when we came off the mission field.  Jeremiah 29:11-13–you know the verses.  The Lord has good plans for us–for hope and a future.  1, 2,3,4,5 steps and breathe.  We were well above the tree line and the sun was beginning to peak over the ridge on the horizon.  The name of this trip was “Wilderness” in the mountains of Colorado, and that’s where I was both physically and spiritually.

Though I had come on this trip with my son to build memories and serve as an adult leader, the Lord knew I needed this time to get face to face without distractions so I could hear Him clearly.  My ears are still ringing.  It was a series of long conversations, but the core was basically the Lord saying, “You don’t believe that my plans are better than your plans.  You don’t trust me to take care of you–even though I’ve proven myself faithful to you OVER and OVER again…”. 

It was painful to admit that He was right.  In doing so, I had to face my fears, my lack of trust, my reliance on myself and this identity I had worked so hard to build that had become a security blanket.  Even more painful than all that was the question, so now what?  The last part of those verses talk about seeking the Lord with all of our heart and promises when we do, He won’t hide.  

We serve a good, good Father, and as I began to get real and unload my burdens, my fears, my anxiety, MY plans and my self-made identity, He took them, He soothed them and He replaced them with His own plans for me.  I wish I could say this was a “one and done” type of interaction, but I’d be lying.  I’m still scared.  I still doubt.  I still wonder if my way wouldn’t be better, but I’m doing that less and less.  He is giving me courage and He is making me strong in His spirit.

I’m learning that if my gifts are from Him and I really believe that—that they are indeed HIS gifts–then I should also believe they are in His timing for His purposes and His glory.  Think about that.  If you really truly believe those 4 things, then you  can begin to walk in humble confidence with expectation.  Expectation that He’s going to show up, expectation that He’s going to move and bless and free captives.  Friends, in light of this truth, the pressure to DO is off our shoulders.  We need simply to show up.

Maybe you’re in the wilderness.  Maybe you’re stuck.  Maybe you’re scared or maybe you’re all of this and then some.  Take the next step.  Breathe in His Holy Spirit. Trust. Let go and follow where He leads.  His plans are greater.  His plans are Hope.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  

In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.“

Jer. 29:11-13 

Jason Barnaby, Revelation Wellness Ambassador/Instructor and President of FireStarters, Inc.

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