When the Wilderness Still Feels Endless

In Hebrew, “wilderness” is often translated as midbar.

In Greek, the word most commonly used is erēmos, which can also mean desert or desolate place.

The wilderness in scripture is often associated with wandering or being lost—like we see with the children of Israel in the book of Deuteronomy, after escaping Egypt.

But the idea of the wilderness being uninhabitable or desolate is described clearly in:

• Jeremiah 2:6 – “Through a land of deserts and ravines, a land of drought and utter darkness, a land where no one travels and no one lives.”

• Psalm 107:4–9 – “Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle… But He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”

By all accounts, the Bible is telling us something:

A wilderness experience is temporary.

It’s not a place where you stay.

It’s not a place where you get comfortable.

It’s not a place where you make a home.

It’s not a place where you see the fruit of your labor.

It is just that—a moment of wandering, a transition, a bridge from your past or present into your future, your hope, your promised land.

The good news, when we look at Deuteronomy 8, is that even in your wilderness season—God provides.

He makes provision.

He gave manna from heaven—miraculous provision that the people could not create or control themselves.

Now it may not always be the luxury you want.

But it will sustain you.

That’s the grace of the wilderness.

And I think the greatest truth we can see in every wilderness account in scripture is this:

It ends.

• For the children of Israel, their wilderness ended in the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 27:2; Joshua 5:6).

• For the exiles in Babylon, it ended with a remnant returning to rebuild (Jeremiah 29:10; Ezra 1:5).

• For Jesus, after 40 days in the wilderness, it ended with His ministry beginning (Matthew 4:1–2, 17).

And for you, too, my sisters and brothers—

Whatever wilderness you find yourself in…

• A physical wilderness—dealing with health, finances, or limitations in your body.

• An emotional wilderness—feeling depressed, anxious, suicidal, or overwhelmed by mental distress.

• A spiritual wilderness—where you feel numb, disconnected, tired, weary, and unsure if God even hears you anymore…

Whatever your wilderness is—just like every wilderness in the Word of God—

It is temporary.

It ends.

And it always ends with a promise and a purpose.

So please—don’t get comfortable in the wilderness.

Don’t build a house there.

Don’t die there.

There is something miraculous on the other side.

⸻

Still in Transition

As I write this, I’m still in transition.

And maybe that’s what I want to offer more than anything:

We’re used to hearing testimonies after the pain is over.

After the storm is gone.

After the victory has come.

But what about while you’re still waiting?

I think the greatest thing about writing while I’m still in this moment is the reminder that hope doesn’t always sound like a victory speech.

Sometimes hope sounds like tears.

Sometimes it sounds like silence.

Sometimes it sounds like “I believe… but help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)

Transparency means I still write.

I still hope.

I still speak about God—

Even when my faith is shaky.

Even when my voice trembles.

Even when there’s no happy ending yet.

Because sometimes the journey matters more than the destination.

So don’t give up.

Have faith.

God has not forgotten you.

He hasn’t forgotten me.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you…” (2 Peter 3:9)

Whatever He promised—it will come to pass.

But we have to trust His timing…

Even when it’s uncomfortable.