Over the course of one year, Richard LeMieux’s lucrative publishing
business collapsed. Soon, his wealth disappeared, and he became depressed. Eventually,
LeMieux began to abuse alcohol and his family deserted him. At the lowest point
in his life, he was homeless, broken, and destitute. However, it was during
this time that he turned to God. He later wrote a book about what he learned.
The Israelites learned some valuable spiritual lessons when God allowed
them to endure homelessness, uncertainty, and danger. Their hardships humbled
them (Deut. 8:1-18).
They learned that God would provide for their needs. When they were
hungry, He gave them manna. When they were thirsty, He gave them water from a
rock. God taught them that, despite difficult times, He could bless them (v.1).
Finally, the Israelites learned that adversity is not a sign of abandonment.
Moses reminded them that God had been leading throughout their 40 years in the
wilderness (v.2).
When we encounter desperate times, we can look for the spiritual lessons
embedded in our difficulties—lessons that can help us rely on the One who
causes all things to work together for our good and for His glory (Rom. 8:28).
The clearest view of everything that happens comes from God. (RBC)
