Blog Post

Life in the Wilderness

  • By Kelley Johnson
  • •
  • 28 Dec, 2016
  • •
“Yet the LORD says, “During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet.” Deuteronomy 29:5 NIV I always get reflective [...] The post Life in the Wilderness appeared first on Be Well My Soul.

“Yet the LORD says, “During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet.” Deuteronomy 29:5 NIV

I always get reflective during the Christmas season. I know that a New Year is right around the corner. I like to think about what God has done over the past 300-something days as I look with anticipation towards what the next year may bring.
Quite frankly, 2016 was not an easy year, personally, professionally – even politically. Just when I thought I had reached my limit on personal challenges, I had to put my car in the shop. The timing wasn’t great with Christmas right around the corner, but then again, is it ever really a “good time” for your car to need major repairs?
As I faced a growing list of mechanical issues, I became frustrated to say the least. Truth be told, I’d really like a new car. Sure, the one I have now is completely paid for and it’s nice to not have a car payment every month, but when I have to put large chunks of money into this one, every now and then, I start to wonder if it’s worth it.
So, during one of my conversations with the Lord, I was lamenting, well, maybe a tad bit, complaining, about all the things I was concerned about. Then, almost like a flash of lightning, my perspective shifted. The Holy Spirit reminded me how The Great I Am maintained shoes and clothing for an entire generation of people while they wandered in the wilderness.
I was reminded how He is providing for me. I have food in the refrigerator. I have a roof over my head. My utilities are on. I am healthy and so is my family. By many standards, I have a nice life.
Yes, some big life decisions and next steps are murky right now. Serious and consequential issues I have earnestly been praying about have yet to manifest. Regardless, I must acknowledge that the Lord is sustaining me, even in the wilderness.
I don’t know what your wilderness situation is right now, but as I encourage myself, I also want to encourage you to be grateful for the little things and keep looking towards the hills from where our help comes from. God has proven Himself time and time again, that He is faithful.
Let’s revisit the journey of the children of Israel.
We all know the story. Because of their disobedience, idolatry and murmuring, the children of Israel lived in the wilderness for 40 years. But I want us to think for a moment about a little detail within this historic account. God not only sustained them with food and water, He made sure their shoes and clothing stayed in good condition.
How awesome is that? What a loving God we serve!
Honestly, in the grand scheme of God’s plan for Israel to cross the threshold into the Promised Land, what difference did it really make if their clothes were tattered shreds or fine garments? Our God is a God who cares about every little detail, every little hair on our head.
Maybe, like me, you’re in a wilderness season of life right now as He prepares us for our Promised Land. Isn’t it great that we can rest with assurance that He will sustain us during the dark days? He will make sure we walk into our land of milk and honey as mature Believers and Disciples of Christ, who are ready to fulfill His Kingdom purposes (and look good while doing it). Selah.

Staying Moldable to the Master’s Hands

By Kelley Johnson • 01 Aug, 2018
If God gave you today, as in right now, what you have been asking for, could He trust you to stay moldable? If the burden or heartache was lifted, would you revert back to the [...] The post Staying Moldable to the Master’s Hands appeared first on Be Well My Soul.

Snare of Self Sufficiency

By Kelley Johnson • 01 Aug, 2018
Self-sufficiency robs us of our sufficiency in Christ. It is only in christ that we can do all things through him who strengthens us. Neil T. Anderson Sometimes we pride ourselves on being strong and independent….I know I have. Being “strong” through our own abilities will only take us so far. It’s been my personal experience that [...] The post Snare of Self Sufficiency appeared first on Be Well My Soul.

Are Christians in the Closet at Work?

By Kelley Johnson • 05 Jun, 2018
In 1990, Stephen Covey sparked a leadership trend, challenging us to fixate and analyze habits that make ourselves and others highly effective. In the pursuit of career growth, bigger salaries and homes, many Christians bought [...] The post Are Christians in the Closet at Work? appeared first on Be Well My Soul.

Your Wilderness is Temporary

By Kelley Johnson • 04 Jun, 2018
The struggle is real, but it is not hopeless. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We are more than a conqueror. We are the head and not the tail. The Thrive [...] The post Bible Study Devotional: Your Wilderness is Temporary appeared first on Be Well My Soul.

Waiting Patiently on the Lord

By Kelley Johnson • 10 Apr, 2018
What are you waiting on from the Lord and HOW are you waiting? The Thrive Series on Cubicles & Christ is a mini-devotional, Bible Study and coaching session, all rolled-up into one 15-minute episode. Together, [...] The post Devotional: Waiting Patiently on the Lord appeared first on Be Well My Soul.

Grow Deeper with Prayer & Fasting

By Kelley Johnson • 03 Jan, 2018
Many of you know that I try to start every New Year with a time of focused prayer and fasting. Typically, I do 21-days, but sometimes shorter/longer as I feel the Lord is directing me. Over [...] The post Grow Deeper with Prayer & Fasting appeared first on Be Well My Soul.

Is Multi-tasking Keeping you from your Purpose?

By Kelley Johnson • 17 Nov, 2017
Multi-tasking and wearing multiple hats are just a normal way of life these days. Even in Biblical times, we see an example of a woman who loved Jesus but became so distracted by cooking and [...] The post Is Multi-tasking Keeping you from your Purpose? appeared first on Be Well My Soul.

Taken for Granted in Relationships

By Kelley Johnson • 29 Sep, 2017
Have you ever felt taken for granted in a relationship? Interactions or experiences where our time, attention, love and sacrifices don’t seem to be appreciated or valued, over time, can create some pretty negative feelings. [...] The post Taken for Granted in Relationships appeared first on Be Well My Soul.

Two Squirrels and Chariots of Fire

By Kelley Johnson • 31 May, 2017
During a recent weekend, I had the rare opportunity to leisurely drink my morning coffee on my back patio. The kids were still asleep. The hubby was somewhere in the house tinkering. The heat of [...] The post Two Squirrels and Chariots of Fire appeared first on Be Well My Soul.

5 Ways to Grow Your Career

By Kelley Johnson • 02 May, 2017
Through my consulting and leadership coaching work, I hear from so many people that they feel stuck in their career, and like it’s going nowhere really fast. With the launch of my new e-book, “Network with [...] The post 5 Ways to Grow Your Career appeared first on Be Well My Soul.
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