Edge of the Wilderness

As I read through the Bible each year, this phrase in Exodus 13:20 and Numbers 33:6 has given me pause for reflection - “the edge of the wilderness” – and I finally took the time to do a bit of a study on it.

The Israelites had just fled Egypt after the ten plagues were sent by God to change the mind of Pharaoh and to display His power over Egypt’s gods. God did not lead them through the land of the Philistines, even though that seemed the shortest and best route, because they were not ready for war with that powerful nation. They had just come out of many years of slavery and their spirits were broken. Isn’t it wonderful that God proportions His people’s trials to their strength? He knows us!

So God led them from Succoth and they camped in Etham, “in the edge of the wilderness.” Definitions from the Hebrew for edge include “end, extremity, border.” Wilderness means “uninhabited land, tracts of land used for pasturage of flocks and herds, desert.” It looked quite bleak there and I am sure they wondered what the wilderness was going to hold for them.

You may be looking at going through some “edge of the wilderness” experiences in your own lives.

Maybe the Lord is moving you to a different location, and as you look at the uncertainties that lie ahead, you may wonder how it is going to all work out – selling your home, finding a new home, new schools and friends for your children, a new church family, a new job…

Maybe you have been given a physical diagnosis that is bringing panic to your peaceful existence, and you are concerned about what you may be facing in treatments, how it will affect your family, your job, your finances, your future.

Or there are family difficulties with a spouse, a child, a parent, a relative, and the path ahead looks very rocky as you contemplate your options.

Maybe you are looking at life without a spouse – divorce or widowhood. And your heart is breaking.

“Those whom God brings into a wilderness He will not leave nor lose there, but will take care to lead them through it.” – Matthew Henry

As the children of Israel waited at the edge, the LORD appeared. “And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night. He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” (Ex. 13:21-22) God gave His people constant assurance of His presence with them during their long stay in the wilderness.

God will do the same for us as we step from the edge of the wilderness into the wilderness itself. He will be there every step of the way guiding us with His loving hand.

“All the way my Savior leads me – What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who thru life has been my Guide?

Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell!

For I know, what-e’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.

“All the way my Savior leads me – Cheers each winding path I tread,

Gives me grace for ev’ry trial, Feeds me with the living bread.

Tho’ my weary steps may falter And my soul athirst may be,

Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see.

“All the way my Savior leads me – O the fullness of His love!

Perfect rest to me is promised In my Father’s house above.

When my spirit, clothed immortal, Wings its flight to realms of day,

This my song thru endless ages: Jesus led me all the way.”

-Fanny J. Crosby

As you face your “edge of the wilderness,” remember Who is with you and Who is leading you each step of the way – Jesus Christ. He will take you safely through the wilderness of your life.