Have you ever felt like you’ve been left out, looked over, undervalued or just plain ignored? Me too. But, it’s in those moments when you feel like you’re lost in the back end of the wilderness, that God sees you.
The struggle comes when you don’t know if your talents and gifts are enough. Or, if you are enough. If we’re honest with ourselves and decide to face the truth instead of reaching for the familiar, “It’s not big deal” mask. We can bring those wilderness moments to God and use it as an opportunity to draw closer to Him.
King David was one of the greatest, most well-known heroes of the Bible. His resumé is pretty impressive. Yes, he was a giant killer but, did you know that he played the harp?
Yep. He was a gifted harp player. And it was this talent that landed him in the presence of a king. Practicing his skills day in and day out while nobody was watching were his precious wilderness moments that helped him get into the presence of a king.
Poor old king Saul was a troubled soul. Tormented and lacking sleep, he asks David to play him some smooth sounds.
Now David finds himself in the king’s presence all the time. David must have thought that this was the moment his promise of becoming the next king of Israel was going to come true. King Saul thinks he’s awesome and its high-fives all round.
But the path to David becoming the next King of Israel was about to take a sharp left turn. He didn’t become king until he’d gone through many trails and a lot more wilderness moments.
Left out? Looked over? Undervalued?
Maybe.
But one of God’s names is El Roi, which means the God who sees. And when you’re in those wilderness moments, remember God ‘sees’ you even when you think nobody is paying attention to your writing. Use the wilderness moments to practice your writing skills because it’s in that place that you will learn your craft. It’s in that barrenness that you can roam free to explore your talent without anyone watching you, without anyone judging or critiquing your work. It’s just you and El Roi.
Know this. Right before your biggest breakthrough, Satan will always show you how big your problems are. He’ll remind you that you’ll forever be stuck in the wilderness, and that’s where you’ll stay. He’ll let you know that your gifting will never get you into the presence of kings. But, like David, you have a secret. You have learnt that it was in those wilderness moments that you were already in the presence of a king. His name is El Roi, the God who sees.
So, when you feel like you’re not enough. When you’ve experienced more wilderness moments than you care to even mention. When you’ve been left out, looked over, undervalued or just plain old ignored.
Just remember one of God’s names is, El Roi, the God who sees. The King of all Kings who’s presence was always with you in your wilderness moments.
Wendy xo
You can find Wendy’s blog at http://www.thebigvoiceonline.com
Yesterday I was more aware of the wilderness than I wanted to be. I was too aware of past criticisms as I prepared to lead the small congregation in worship. The visiting minister asked me an open question and I blurted out my insecurities. He was quick to tell me to use my gift and let God do the rest. It was hours later when the same minister contacted me. He had been praying about what I had said and wanted me to reflect on the parable of the talents. He said God wanted to remind me how much I had been given and not to waste each new opportunity.
I haven’t been able to write my online blog for a while, afraid that the wilderness would be too obvious in every word. I needed the reminder that I am first writing for my audience of One )!(
Beautiful Chrissy!
Thank you SO much for sharing. In August 2016 I was convinced I’d never get better and therefore never be able to impact the world. But oh how amazing El Roi is, He saw me and pulled me from the pit of despair. This is my story now: “He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.”
Psalms 40:3 NLT
I pray what I share will bring others much encouragement and enrichment. Blessings x
Love it, Keona! Our gifts and talents are never just for us, they are to be used to bless other people. Keep going xx
David is a great reminder that not only will God use the gifts and talents He has given us, but He will use them in ways we can’t always see or imagine.
The wilderness is our grace grower, and the place where we see God most. Thanks for the great post, Wendy. X
Absolutely! Thanks, Lays x
Beautiful post, Wendy. Thanks for the reminder that El Roi is always with us. 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂