We all have those times, right? When it feels like we’re lost in the woods, so to speak. Maybe it’s a job you hate, a relationship that’s rocky, a health scare, or just that general feeling of being lost and confused. Everything seems to be going wrong. You can’t see the path ahead, the ground’s uneven, and the weather’s awful. It’s in these moments, when we feel most vulnerable, that we really find out what we’re made of.

Being in the wilderness – and I mean that figuratively – is scary. It strips away all the things we usually rely on: our comfortable routines, our sense of control, the things we think define us. It forces us to face our fears, our insecurities, and where we think our limits are. We might stumble, fall, and even feel like throwing in the towel.

But what if I told you that this wilderness, this tough and unforgiving place, could actually be a good thing?

Think about animals in the wild. They adapt and evolve to survive. They learn to navigate tricky terrain, find food when it’s scarce, and survive terrible storms. They get stronger, more resilient, and resourceful – qualities we need not just to survive, but to actually live a good life.

We have that same ability to adapt and grow. When things get hard, we have to dig deep and find strengths we didn’t even know we had. The wilderness, in its own difficult way, becomes a place where we’re tested, and we come out stronger than before.

It’s during these tough times that we learn what we’re truly capable of. We discover how persistent we can be, how important it is to rely on ourselves, and just how strong we really are. We learn to find our way when we’re lost, to trust our gut feelings, and to find our footing even when everything feels shaky.

Being in the wilderness also gives us a chance to look inward. Away from all the distractions of daily life, we can connect with ourselves, figure out what’s really important to us, and rediscover what we love. It’s a time for thinking, for growing, and for remembering what really matters.

So, next time you feel like you’re lost in the wilderness, remember this: It might seem like everything’s going against you, but maybe, just maybe, it’s actually working for you. Embrace the challenge, learn from it, and come out stronger, wiser, and more resilient. The wilderness can be tough, but it can also be the thing that helps us grow and change in amazing ways. Trust the journey, find your footing, and discover the strength inside you to not just get through it, but to actually thrive.

No matter what, remember to give your worries to God. It’s especially important when you’ve tried everything and nothing’s worked. When you’ve done your best, He’ll help you through.