From The Wilderness to The Promised Land:

Michelle Manders
May 21
3 min read

The Journey That Changes Everything

We all have our wilderness seasons—those dry, disorienting, and difficult stretches of life that test every ounce of our faith and endurance. It’s the space between where we were and where God is taking us—between bondage and breakthrough, pain and promise, fear and fulfillment. It’s the place where many give up, grow cold, or wander longer than they were ever meant to. But friend, the wilderness is not the end of the story—it’s the preparation ground.

What the Wilderness Feels and Looks Like

In the wilderness, the familiar is gone, but the future isn’t visible. It’s filled with questions, discomfort, and spiritual fatigue. It's when:

You’ve left behind Egypt (your past, your bondage, the world), but you haven’t yet stepped into your purpose.
You know God has promised more, but all you see is dust, dryness, and delay.
You’re tired of manna but too scared to move toward milk and honey.
You’re tempted to go back to what God delivered you from simply because it feels safer than the unknown.

This is the very place the Israelites found themselves after crossing the Red Sea.

The Red Sea vs. The Jordan River

When Israel left Egypt, God parted the Red Sea before they stepped into it. It was a miraculous rescue—an act of divine grace that required no faith, just obedience.

But 40 years later, when it was time to enter the Promised Land, the instruction was different. God told the priests to step into the Jordan River first, before it parted.

“Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water... stopped flowing.”– Joshua 3:15-16

The shift is subtle but powerful: the wilderness is where God proves Himself to you — but the Promised Land is where He calls you to trust Him completely.

One requires you to stand and watch. The other requires you to step and believe.

When Two Weeks Turns Into Forty Years

God never meant for the Israelites to wander for decades. The journey from Egypt to Canaan was supposed to take just 11 days. But fear, disobedience, complaining, and unbelief extended their wilderness into 40 years.

And so many of us are still there—wandering in emotional, spiritual, and relational deserts. Circling the same patterns, pain, and people. Staying stuck because stepping into the Promised Land feels risky.

But here’s the truth: what is waiting for you requires a different kind of faith. God already parted the Red Sea for you. Now He’s asking—will you trust Him at the Jordan?

Why Many Stay in the Desert

We get so caught up in the problems of the wilderness that we miss the invitation of the Promised Land.

We let:

Fear drown out God’s promises.
Comfort zones become prisons.
Past trauma convinces us we’re unworthy of more.
Delay makes us doubt God’s goodness.

But hear this: delay is not denial. If you’re still breathing, God is still calling. The Promised Land is still ahead.

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"— Isaiah 43:19

What Does It Mean to Step In?

Stepping into the Jordan means:

Praying even when you don’t feel like it.
Forgiving even when it hurts.
Trusting even when the future looks unclear.
Moving forward even when you’re afraid.

It means choosing obedience before you see the breakthrough. It means letting go of Egypt before you fully grasp Canaan.

Call to Action: It's Time to Step In

If you're stuck in the wilderness today, I want to remind you: The wilderness is not your final address.

It’s a process, not a punishment. It’s a place of refinement, not rejection. And it’s preparing you to carry the weight of the promise.

You were not created to wander. You were not saved to stay stuck. You were not delivered to die in the desert.

You are called to the Promised Land. But you have to step in. So today, take the step:

Repent of unbelief.
Reignite your faith.
Reclaim your joy.
Reconnect with God.

Because as soon as your feet touch the water, the flow will stop. And what seemed impossible will part before you.

Reflection Questions

What wilderness season am I currently navigating?
Have I allowed fear or unbelief to keep me from stepping forward?
What "Jordan River" is God asking me to step into in faith?
How has God already proven Himself faithful in my past?

Final Encouragement

If you're weary from wandering, hold on—your wilderness is not wasted, and your Promised Land is closer than you think. Let today be the day you stop circling and start stepping.

God bless you and your family.

Big Holy Spirit filled hugs coming your way,

Michelle