Into the Desert

For the New Testament class I'm taking, we are supposed to write about something we've learned every week. Last week, I wrote a personal note to a friend because I learned something that was applicable to her situation and will hopefully help her. This week, I thought I'd post my thoughts to my blog (after all, I am a blogger, now). 

Hang with me.

In Acts, Chapter 8, Philip begins to preach in Samaria (see picture below). He has great success there, as recounted in vs. 6-8: "And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city."

I have never served a full-time mission, but I know what it is like to feel like your work matters and you are making a difference to someone. In this case, lots of someones. Samaria needed Philip and I'm sure that Philip was enjoying the success he was having as he preached the Gospel. It's that moment when hard work pays off. There are times in our lives where we feel like things are going relatively smoothly. For me, it's when I feel like I'm in control of my life instead of it controlling me. Life is not too busy, the kids are happy and doing well with school, friends, etc. Rob's job is proving successful and I am at a "happy place."

Then comes the call to the desert.

In verse 26, "the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert." Here are some pictures of Gaza:

Philip "arose and went." He answered that call amidst his success as a missionary in a place he was accepted and revered...to go to the desert.

What does that have to do with you and me?

My teacher pointed out that usually we do not get a call to "go to the desert" when we are already in the desert. Usually, we get called to "go to the desert" when we are having success: when life is finally calm and we feel content about our situation. I think back on my own life and it is the times that life is pretty darn good that suddenly it gets turned upside down. It's times when we are most comfortable with our lives that we get asked to stretch, reach, and grow. This could come from pain, illness, job changes,loss of a loved one, children, callings, etc. Some of my best experiences and definite growth have come from my "days in the desert." 

So the question is: How do we respond when we are asked to "go to the desert?"