01-05-2026 PART 2: Faith in the Wilderness and the Nearness of God

Section 1

This portion of the discussion opens with a powerful, real-time testimony through Rosalyn’s call, reminding us that faith often unfolds in the middle of hardship rather than after it ends. In the midst of a chemo day, physical exhaustion, and emotional weariness, God interrupted her routine with encouragement, connection, and a direct spoken word of healing in the Name of Jesus. That moment did not remove the wilderness immediately, but it strengthened faith within it. This illustrates an important spiritual truth: God often sends reassurance not as an escape from the trial, but as confirmation that He is present and actively working while the trial continues. The prayer that followed focused not on instant resolution, but on God’s nearness, comfort, and sustaining presence, which is often what carries believers through the most difficult stretches of life.

Section 2

The teaching then turns to Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness, emphasizing the emotional weight of their situation. Hagar is described as wandering aimlessly, depleted physically, emotionally, and spiritually, having lost security, direction, and hope. Her actions reveal deep maternal anguish as she places her son in the shade, unable to watch what she believes will be his death. This moment highlights a universal human experience: seasons where strength is gone, answers are absent, and the future feels unbearable. Yet even in this despair, God remains fully aware and fully in control. Though Hagar does not yet perceive it, the Lord is already moving, already orchestrating provision, and already preparing transformation that will affect both her life and Ishmael’s.

Section 3

The central message reinforces that walking by faith means trusting God beyond what can be seen, understood, or predicted. Scripture reminds us that God is sovereign over the affairs of humanity and does not operate according to human approval or comprehension. While circumstances may appear hopeless, God’s plan remains active and purposeful. Just as Ruth was invited to “come” and receive abundance, and just as Hagar was not abandoned in the wilderness, believers today are called to trust God through the in-between seasons. Trials are certain, wilderness moments are real, but God’s presence is constant. He sees, He knows, He provides, and He calls His people forward—not by sight, but by faith.