robsingleton.net

16 July 2007

When you’re in the Desert, You’ll look for water!

I can’t sleep.

It’s midnight and I desperately need to sleep, but I can’t.

In fact, I’m wide awake.

And what’s worse, I’m actually wrestling.

I’m serious. It’s the stinkin UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships) right here at the Singleton home.

And the most dreadful thing of all?

I keep hearing Adrian (you know, from Rocky IV) saying over and over again to me,

You can’t win!

She’s right on this one. I know she is, but I’m still answering the bell and coming out round after round after round.

It’s embarrassing because I can’t even see my opponent, but I know he’s there.

At least I hope He is.

Otherwise, I’m getting trounced behind the woodshed for nothing, by nothing.

I’m not the first to take on this opponent. You can read about one dude (here) named Jacob who wrestled Him all night long. I hope I’m not in for that long a bout, but I’ve done it before, and I may have to do it again.

You see, sometimes I just need an extra dose of His presence.

There’s nothing like it–To know that He is right there with you and that you are on the right path.

He’s my audience.

An audience of One.

He knows my heart, so there’s no sense trying to snow Him.

I mean, how ridiculous is that?

But people do it.

Everyday.

Tonight, feels like I’m in a desert, but I’ll be alright because I’ve been here before. I know that He will show. It says so here. He just wants my full attention.

Sometimes it takes a desert experience to get it.

Thirsty?

When you’re in the desert, you’ll look for water.

I guarantee it.

You will absolutely seek out that life sustaining liquid.

You have to in order to live.

That’s why God sometimes puts me there on purpose.

He wants to talk.

Tonight, I think I’ll listen.

Gotta go.

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8 Comments currently posted.

Lance Ratliff says:

Rob, remember this blog the next time someone tells you they are not being fed anymore while attending the services at Southbrook. Like you said above when you are in the desert you will look for water , the life sustaining liquid(GOD). You must be hungry for God before you can be fed by his word. Keep up the good fight, we brookies are all pulling in the same direction.

Dale says:

This blog came out just at the right time. I was sitting up last night stressed out about my life, work, and everything else that get into my head. I woke up this morning, and the feelings did not go away. I went to the gym at 4:30 this morning, because that usually helps, but got nothing. I prayed, but it didn’t seem to help. This did make me feel better.
Thank you,

JT says:

Is your hip sore? Are you limping today? I hope all went well last night and I hope that you are able to share what God was wanting to say to you.

Kate says:

So thirsty right now. Like Dale, I try to distract myself, or try to solve the restlness myself with activities, or plans or just foolish busyness. But what I NEED to do is just be before God, be still, shut up, and be in his presence. Thanks for the reminder of something that is so obvisous, yet that I often ignore.

Weighted Down says:

I am living in the desert contstantly seeking the water of life and getting a sandy drink from the mirage created by the devil. It looks good but can not sustain life or give relief from my need for the refreshment only offered through the Lord. I am hearing from the Lord that I need to humble myself and be obedient and offer him the wonderous praise and worship only he deserves. He wrestles with my every thought and tells me that I need to seek the Lord in all the ways of my life. It is so hard to silence my own mind and reach for the life sustaining love of the Lord. We all need to wait in the silence and let him talk instead of trapsing off alone in the dessert of life without him at our side.

Mark Cianciosa says:

Rob,

I have been to the desert and to the mountain … and I love the desert. Now do not get me wrong because the desert is uncomfortable and it is hard to find something to drink and often it is hard to find someone to chat with while you are in the desert. So I have learned to talk to the LORD and argue with him during those times … and what I have found out is that I am more settled during these times of trouble … (when I look back at it …) so maybe the LORD wants us to wrestle. After all that is when we are in his arms …

So just remember that I am willing to come in and double team with you but you can not leave the ring …

In HIS Service,
Mark

Dee Langley says:

You know whats funny is I am typing this on my phone cause I can’t get the blog to come up at work. I was just saying to Matthew (and God) this morning that I need a break from the ever present thought of my finances. I said Lord I need your rest, your respite, your refreshment. I guess I hadn’t even looked up to see that I was in a desert. Thanks Rob for the heads up! I busy battling that I haven’t taken the time to be quiet and sit in front of my father.

Nola says:

Personally, I like to fight my own battles and believe in myself to handle life without giving credit where it’s not due.

Dare to provide your own life-sustaining liquid. You can still love God–but you may feel more empowered, more confident in approaching life, if you fend for yourself.