We were not new to ministry; however, during one particular season, we found ourselves wandering through a proverbial wilderness. For 22 months, what felt like limbo became a place where God taught us vital lessons. Looking back now, I can say with confidence that through it all, God was—and still is—faithful.
During that time, I often thought about a story a friend named Jerry once shared with me while we were out surveying. He told me about an earlier season in his life when he was helping his father survey a property. Jerry was serving as the rod holder, and his father directed him to walk across a field so he could take a reading. Jerry always wore a bright fluorescent vest so he could be seen easily.
What Jerry did not know was that a bull was roaming the field, hidden just out of sight in the woods. Jerry was highly visible, but also completely vulnerable. While Jerry stood unaware, the bull began charging toward him. His father could see the danger unfolding and quickly radioed him with one urgent command: “Run, Jerry, as fast as you can!”
As Jerry took off running, he finally saw the bull charging at full speed behind him. He said he had never run so fast in his life. Thankfully, he made it back to safety, barely escaping unharmed.
What has stayed with me most is this: Jerry was vulnerable and did not even realize it. That truth described me perfectly during that season of my life. Looking back, I can now see how vulnerable I truly was. It felt as though I was wearing a bright vest that made me an easy target for the enemy. At the time, I did not fully recognize the spiritual attack I was under, nor the pressure my family was facing. The enemy’s intent was clear—to wear us down and make us casualties of spiritual warfare.
I am reminded of Revelation 12, where John describes the dragon waiting to destroy the child about to be born. The passage includes three central figures: the woman with child, the male child, and the great red dragon. While the chapter is deeply symbolic, for the purpose of this reflection I will keep the explanation simple. The woman represents God’s faithful people, Israel, through whom the Messiah would come. The male child represents Jesus Christ, our Savior. The red dragon represents Satan.
This passage reveals Satan’s ongoing attempt to oppose God’s redemptive plan. His attack was directed at God’s people, at God’s Son, and today, at all who belong to Christ.
With that passage as a backdrop, I can relate in a personal way. Over the years, there have been multiple attacks against my life. Please understand, I am not comparing myself to our Savior. I am simply saying that I know beyond any doubt that Satan has sought to disrupt and destroy what God has called me to do. I am not special in myself, but I am a child of God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and called according to His purpose. For that reason, I believe the enemy would desire nothing less than to hinder and ultimately destroy that calling.
So, I return to what I said earlier: I was vulnerable and did not fully realize it. Perhaps that is where you are today—in a wilderness season, running for your life in one way or another. If so, I want to encourage you: keep running. Keep running until you find safety in the arms of your Heavenly Father.
I would like to leave you with the words of a tremendous song:“So let the storms rage high, the dark clouds rise, they don’t worry me for I’m sheltered safe within the arms of God. He walks with me and naught of earth shall harm me, for I’m sheltered in the arms of God!”
May the Lord bless you my friend and have a wonderful day!