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But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. --Exodus 13:18 Have you ever experienced times of spiritual drought in your life? Most of us have at some time, and it’s not unusual to feel like you’re stuck and getting nowhere fast. Well, I think this is probably just how the children of Israel felt when Moses was leading them toward the Promised Land. The Scripture says God “led the people around by the way of the wilderness,” but truthfully, they were going around in circles much of that time. But don’t think of this as some kind of exercise in futility or punishment. This was God leading his people according to his specific purposes! You see, there are certain lessons that can only be learned in the desert. And there are no shortcuts to spiritual growth and maturity. Now, you and I need to remember that the Israelites journey through the wilderness is illustrative of our journey with God. And in his wisdom, God may take us on an extended journey through the wilderness to test us, to mature us, to prepare us, or to strengthen us for those things that we’ll face down the road. If you are in the wilderness, keep your eyes on him. Trust that God is working on your behalf to prepare you for all that he has promised. THERE ARE CERTAIN LESSONS THAT CAN ONLY BE LEARNED IN THE DESERT.

The Key to Bearing Fruit

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”
John 12:23–25

Every Christian should have a desire to live a fruitful and productive life for God. The gratitude for His salvation and the desire for obedience to His commands should compel us to seek to be busy about His work. But if we wish to be truly fruitful, there is a necessity—we must die to self. This is where many people are derailed. They want to accomplish things for God, but are not willing to pay the price. There is no way to detour around death to self and still reach the goal of bearing fruit.
One of the great men of faith in history was George Müller. His work (providing for the needs of thousands and thousands of orphans) was carried out and financed completely through faith. Müller refused to seek financial support, instead trusting God to touch the hearts of people to support the work. His faith has challenged people for many years, adding another level of fruitfulness to his direct ministry during his life.
George Müller said, “There was a day when I died, utterly died, died to George Müller, his opinions, preferences, tastes and will, died to the world, its approval or censure, died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends, and since then I have studied to show myself approved unto God.” Each of us must make this choice. If we are willing to die to self, then God will accomplish His harvest in our lives.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

If we cling to our lives and our desires, we will never accomplish what God has called us to do.