Assistant, how do you face the desert?

While still on the subject of the Feast of Tabernacles, which was held by the Godllywood group, I was analyzing the importance of going through a ” Desert “.

While the party was going on I thought to myself, how serious and deep it its to pass through the desert because that is when we show the quality of faith we posses.

Days before this meeting I was talking with an Assistant who was bitterly telling me her current situation. She was having a whirlwind of negative thoughts due to a radical change she suffered in her life. She wasn’t able to deal with her coworkers, because she had never worked outside her home, she has always been a housewife. The environment in which she is in now has been very harmful to her spiritual life. Her husband was unemployed and to make matters worst they recently moved to a new country.

All this was very uncomfortable for her. I listened very carefully to her as she let everything out and portrayed her pain. I saw she felt anguish, pain, and despair because she couldn’t find time to serve God as she did before.

Her eyes reflected sadness as she told me how in her country of origin she did a lot for the work of God and spent most of her time in church.

After listening to all she had to say, I asked her what had brought her to another country. She told me she emigrated here in order to achieve her goals. She told me she has dreams and goals. Then I asked her, why are you so focused on your problem? I know it’s not easy because everything is new to you, but you have to use these difficult moments to grow and focus on your goals. Don’t focus on the past, on what you’ve done.

I looked deep into his eyes, held her hand and continued. Listen to me; God isn’t only interested in what you do, but mainly in who you are. Difficulties, deserts, we will always have to face, because that’s where it becomes very clear who we truly are. Put your all in being a reference at your job with your co-workers, that’s what God expects of you right now. It’s necessary for you to pass through all this, and you must do it with your head up high, showing God’s Power through your testimony. Don’t cry over it or find yourself disapproved in this desert!

After this, her facial expression changed and she regained strength and direction. She knew she has to go forward and not give up. Do you know how she was on the day of the Feast of Tabernacles? She was beautiful!! She was overflowing with joy. She was noticeable and made a difference.

Where do I want to go with this example?

You, Assistant, you have to look at the desert you’re facing with spiritual eyes, and not mumble about it, thinking that it’s an injustice and that you don’t deserve this or that.

Use this desert as an opportunity to examine your life and the kind of faith you have possessed. Become more dependent of God! Cling on to Him with all your might and use these adversities as a spring to go up higher and become more mature and experienced.

Notice that all men and women of God, in the Bible, in order to become references had to go through the desert. Bishop Macedo is a true example of this. He faced many deserts and difficulties to get to where we are today!

And you, my dear Assistant, how do you react when facing a desert?