“Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands.” –Deuteronomy 8:2

I don’t mean to say God is predictable, but He is consistent in how He works. His purposes don’t change. He led Israel in the desert to humble and test them. Why would I think He won’t lead me into desert experiences to humble and test me? I don’t think He will, because I simply forget.

Is that why God says “remember?” Surely He knows how forgetful I am. He knows I don’t want to be led into the desert. I don’t even want to think about it. I much prefer the Promised Land that flows with blessing upon blessing. Anything but the desert.

The desert is full of too much “un”: uncertainty, uncomfortable and unmet needs. It humbles me. It tests me. It reveals the condition of my heart and whether or not I will obey Him.

I can’t avoid the desert. In fact, it’s wise to not even try. Good things happen there. Water comes from rocks. Food comes from heaven. It’s a place where God shows up most clearly and sometimes most dramatically.