For the Israelites had wandered in the wilderness forty years until all the nation’s men of war who had come out of Egypt had died since they did not obey the LORD.

Joshua 5:6

It is known that people with a purpose live longer, healthier, happier lives, or at least that is what the psychologist on my Apple news told me this morning.

In the Old Testament, in the book of Exodus, the Israelites wandered through the desert for forty years. They had a purpose in their wandering. They were waiting to be led into the promised land. This leisurely walk, I am sure, was more than frustrating for them as they knew where they wanted to be, but it took so long to get there. And some, due to their longing for Egypt, would never make it.

Can you relate? Are there things that threaten to take you off course from your purpose?

Perhaps your purpose is to

• Provide for and invest in your family.
• Live a successful life.
• Make positive connections with others and enjoy those around you.
• Travel the world or your country.
• Fight the declining condition of our planet etc.

Have circumstances placed obstacles in the way of you achieving your purpose? Do you find yourself wandering aimlessly through life, not feeling assured of ever achieving your purpose? Perhaps, you may think, ‘what on earth am I here for?’

Purpose drives people, but sometimes God may allow circumstances to slow down the journey to the destination. This is because God knows that life’s lessons may be learned in wandering, i.e., taking a leisurely walk rather than sprinting to the finish line.

What did the Israelites learn from their experiences wandering in the wilderness?

Firstly, God made sure they had what they needed to live and to follow his plan for them. We, too, can be assured that we have all we need in Christ so that His plan for our lives may be outworked.

Secondly, the Israelites realized that God was always with them, and they were comforted by the visible reminder of his presence, i.e., cloud by day, fire by night.

Thirdly, they learned to trust in Him and His purpose for their lives. They were not wandering aimlessly; they walked with purpose.

Fourthly, those who disobeyed God would not reach the final destination.

If you feel like you have lost your purpose and are wandering aimlessly through life, stop and ask God,

– Why have I have lost my way?
– How do I stay on the right path to not lose my life’s purpose?
– How do I keep in step with God’s pace, and not keep setting my own pace?

As a teacher, we used to say to an unsettled student, ‘have a wander, and then come back to class and focus.’ Often that student would take a leisurely walk to the bubbler, get a drink and be ready to focus on their work upon their return to class. To wander can actually be a good thing as it slows us down and helps to recalibrate those hopes, dreams, and plans held in one’s heart as we are wandering. Keeping one aligned to God and His ways and not wandering off His path is part of the journey.

If you find yourself wandering, check if it is on or off the path God has set before you, then if required recalibrate and follow the one who has His right way laid out for you. Then you will fulfill your purpose!

Blessings Leisa