On the Path to Victory

David Wilkerson (1931-2011)

We can find dry spells plaguing the lives of godly men and women throughout the Bible. This low period in the spirit comes mostly to those whom God intends to use. Indeed, it is common to everyone he trains to go deeper into his ways.

As you look back on some of your own dry spells, ask yourself if those times followed a renewal of the Spirit in your life. Maybe you had experienced a fresh awakening, asking the Lord, “Touch me, Jesus. I feel lukewarm. I know my service to you isn’t moving forward as it should. I’m hungry for more of you. I want zeal to do your work, to pray for the sick, save the lost, bring hope to the hopeless. Renew me, Lord. I want to be used for your kingdom in greater measure.”

Because you got serious with God, your prayers began to get answers and you started to hear God’s voice clearly. Intimacy with him was wonderful, your passion was increasing, and you had a strong sense of his movement in your life.

Then one day you woke up, and the heavens seemed like they were made of brass. You were cast down and didn’t know why. Prayer seemed like agony, and you didn’t hear God’s voice as you once did. Your spirit felt dry and empty. You had nothing but faith.

Beloved, if this has happened to you, do not panic, and don’t beat yourself up! I personally know this kind of plunge from the mountaintop to the lowest pit seemingly in an instant. Peter speaks of it specifically, advising us not to think that some outlandish thing is happening to us: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when his glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13, NKJV).

The Lord allows our dry spells because he is after something in our lives. Be encouraged! Rejoice and praise him even though you may not feel like it!