Drama makes me flee in the opposite direction. Dark clouds of conflict that threaten to swarm around a relationship make me quick to make amends. Sometimes, despite my best efforts to avoid trouble, trials find me. Before I realize what has happened, I am stuck in a desert season, kicking at the sand, glaring at the sun, and wishing for snow.
When I find myself in this environment, I complain to the Lord. “Why is this happening? What did I do? I was minding my own business, following your directions.” I whine until I get over myself and fix my bad attitude. Then, I ask the Lord what He’s up to. He never explains exactly what’s happening, but He confirms that I am in the right place, and to keep going, be encouraged, and be faithful. Looking around, it’s hard to believe that I am exactly where I should be, but in time, I see my character transform and observe the lessons I am learning.
Recently, I learned that seeds planted in the desert don’t shrivel and die; they grow. In the desert, I plant seeds of endurance, hope, trust, and courage. One day, rain will suddenly come to the desert, “making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19). Every seed will awaken, bringing life where it seemed impossible. This happened in Death Valley this February. Unprecedented rains swept through and awoke many seeds, transforming the desert into an prairie.
Death Valley reminds me to be faithful and trust the Lord though the landscape is grim. So, with my faithful friend by my side and the best attitude I can muster, I head down the path before me, knowing that if the Lord delivered me once, He will do it again.
In Rachel's Words 
Rachel,
I was thinking and contemplating—where are Rachel’s devotional writings? And this morning I was considering emailing you. A little while your devotion came through—interestingly, it is about going through desert. “In the desert, I plant seeds of endurance, hope, trust, and courage. One day, rain will suddenly come to the desert, “making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19). Every seed will awaken, bringing life where it seemed impossible.”—underlying is mine. I said, “Good Lord, thank you!” You may have no idea how those words are prophetic to me. Thank you!
Hailu.
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