Encountering God: Australia

Australia is the land of the outback. Much of the outback is a barren wasteland that is not suitable for human habitation. It can reach blazing temperatures during the day and bone-chilling cold temp[eratures at night. It is easy to get lost in the sand dunes that produce mirages and illusions to a weary traveler. Humans are not meant to live in a place like this, but it does have its purpose. 

The wilderness is a major theme in Scripture and none may be more popular than the wilderness narrative of the Israelites. After rescuing them from slavery, God led them through the wilderness. 

Deuteronomy 8:2 lets us in on why God led them through the wilderness. This experience was to humble and test them to see if they really loved God and would obey. Ultimately they failed that test. Throughout the Old Testament, different people experience the wilderness test and some do make it through. None more prominent and perfect than Jesus. He was brought into the wilderness to be tested by Satan. He passed the test perfectly and we can now make it through these tough times through faith in Christ. 

The outback represents the theme of the wilderness. It represents challenges and tough times in our lives. These tough times are meant to bring us closer to God rather than push him away. It is in these toughest moments that we can call upon our Lord to deliver us, to help us, and to give us the strength to get through.