“Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.” Exodus 3:1
Have you ever found yourself in a “backside of the desert” kind of season? The kind where nothing seems to be growing, your strength feels like it’s running on fumes, and even your prayers sound a little dry? The desert can feel barren — a place of disapproval, health struggles, or heartbreak.
That’s the kind of place Moses found himself in. Gone were the royal robes of Pharaoh’s palace. Now, he was wearing shepherd’s sandals and smelling like sheep. Imagine that résumé: “Former prince, current shepherd.” According to the worlds standards, Moses was demoted.
And yet, it was not in Egypt’s luxury, but in the lonely backside of the desert, where Moses met God.
DESERT EXPERIENCES
The desert has a funny way of forcing reflection. When everything slows down (and there’s no Wi-Fi, literally or spiritually), the silence starts asking questions:
“Did I miss God’s leading?”
“Was that decision really the right one?”
Sometimes the answer is, “yes, you took a wrong turn.” But sometimes, the desert isn’t punishment; it’s preparation.
Moses probably had plenty of time to replay his past. “Lord, wasn’t I supposed to be the deliverer? Why did You let me grow up in Pharaoh’s house just to end up here?”
Yet, it was in the middle of nowhere, on the backside of the desert, where the bush caught fire, and Moses caught a fresh revelation of God. The same ground that looked lifeless became holy ground when God showed up.
THE PARADOX OF THE DESERT
The paradox of the desert is this: when life feels driest, that’s often where you’ll find the deepest wells of God’s presence. It’s where your striving ends and His voice becomes clear. And, it’s where your self-sufficiency runs out, and His grace begins to overflow.
Desert seasons don’t last forever, but they do shape forever. Moses entered that wilderness as a fugitive, and left it as a deliverer.
So if you’re in a desert right now, don’t despair. There’s an oasis for your soul. God does some of His best work in barren places.
PRAYER
Lord, meet me on the backside of my desert. When everything around me feels dry, help me see that You’re still working beneath the surface. Teach me to trust You when I question my purpose. And let me find Your miraculous presence — even in the middle of nowhere. Amen.
