The Desert of Shur

The Desert of Shur

Then Moses led the people of Israel away from the Red Sea,

and they moved out into the desert of Shur.

They traveled in this desert for three days without finding any water.

Exodus 15:22 (NLT)

            The desert of Shur; we’ve all traveled through it at some point in our lives: a heart-breaking diagnosis; struggle-filled days that loom ahead with no reprieve in sight; problems that multiply faster than we can cope; months that contain more days than dollars in the bank; disappointments that overwhelm the heart.

            The Israelites had just crossed the Red Sea unscathed. Not a single life lost. The Egyptians? Annihilated. Talk about a wow! moment. It doesn’t get any more jaw-dropping than that. They were ecstatic, confident, and seemingly invincible. They were on a roll. Then it all comes crashing down. A vast desert ahead. No water in sight. For three days, they trudged across the hot, arid desert, shaking sand from their sandals as they struggled with tormenting thirst. Not exactly the vision of a victor. Who wants to trudge when you’ve just scored a major win?

            It didn’t take long for the winners to start whining; the reprieve they thought they’d found at the oasis of Marah proved to be bitter. Just like their hearts. They wanted to continue on that high-note they’d experienced at the Red Sea. Why not? Why couldn’t God simply lead them to the Promised Land without any hiccups along the way? Why did God have to test them?

            Sometimes, I find myself copping the same attitude when life leads me through the wilderness of Shur; sure, God’s promised never to leave me nor forsake me; sure, God’s plans are for good and not for evil; sure, God loves me. Yet what I know and what I feel don’t always match up. The miracles of yesterday quickly tend to memories in the face of new trials. The Red Sea is relegated to a story I can tell my children, instead of first-hand experience of God’s faithfulness. Thankfully, God is merciful and loving. Even when my faith wavers, He provides waterholes in the wilderness.

God’s tests are never without purpose. If He leads me through the desert of Shur, it’s because He wants to strengthen my ‘sures’ into heartfelt, unwavering conviction that God is working all things for my good.