~A mirage is a real optical phenomenon where light bends through layers of hot and cold air to create a false image of a distant object.
~Mortals say of some temporal suffering, ‘No future bliss can make up for it,’ not knowing that Heaven, once attained, will work backwards and turn even that agony into a glory.
—C. S. Lewis
~My heart was saying,
“Lord, take away this longing, or give me that for which I long.” The Lord was answering,
“I must teach you to long for something better.—Elisabeth Elliot
~When you are instructed by affliction, you can become a comforter to the afflicted.
—Charles Spurgeon
~An oasis is a fertile green spot in a desert or dry region where water from an underground source or spring reaches the surface to support plant and animal life.
This is for anyone who is wandering in the desert. I don’t know what you’re facing or how long you’ve been in your desert, but I know what it feels like to be there.
In fact, I’m traveling in my own desert right now, too. I understand the fatigue, the heat, the unending feeling, the loneliness, the thirst. I know that parched feeling all too well.
I know about the mirages too. All the things you dream of and wish for. You see them. They are right in front of you. You drag your weary body forward step after step only to realize when you’ve finally almost made it to relief, that nothing is there. It’s gone. It evaporated. You’re still parched and thirsty and longing for relief. It’s a mirage.
I know you haven’t made it to your oasis yet. I know you doubt you’ll ever find real water, real sustenance, real support, real rest, or real love. I know because I’ve felt the same things.
Out of all the things I’ve ever written here, I don’t think I’ve ever wanted my readers to feel more seen and supported than I do right now. I “see” you. Whatever pain or loss or loneliness or suffering you are facing in your desert, you are not alone even though it feels like it. God has promised never to leave you alone.
I’m in a desert. Many others are too. Please do not quit. Please. It’s okay to rest. But please keep pushing forward after you’ve rested. You are needed in this world even if you feel like you don’t matter to anyone.
You matter. You are gifted. Your presence in this world is a gift to others. I know it feels like you’ve been struggling through your desert for years. I feel the same way. But we can’t let the desert win.
One day we will get to our oasis. Every step is one step closer. Just focus on that next step. You can do this. Be kind to yourself. Your spirit needs that kindness. One day you’ll see the real water up ahead.
On that day, you’ll think it’s just another mirage. But then it will be real. And it will be yours. Your oasis. You’ll step into it and drink pure, sweet water. You’ll dip into a beautiful, crystal clear pool. All the aching and pain and suffering will wash away as you savor the true refreshing.
As you bask in it, may you savor the awe of your oasis. Even when you make it out of your desert, I believe your oasis experience will stay with you. You’ll be stronger, better, healed and whole.
You’ll be loved like you always dreamed of. You’ll be supported and refreshed. It’ll be such a pure and simple refreshing but oh so deep and true. Your oasis experience will remain within the depths of your spirit forever. You’ll forever carry that goodness and kindness with you. Your desert, your struggles and pain, will eventually lead to your miracle oasis.
Let this be your reminder today, that you are seen in your struggle-in your desert. Zero in on the fact that one day after all the mirages, you’ll arrive at your destination- your miracle oasis. The pain will become only a memory then.
You’ve got this.
You aren’t alone.
I believe in you.
God believes in you.
One step at a time.
You’ll reach it.
Your oasis.
Your friend,
Tiffany
