The Israelites wandered through the wilderness in search of the Promise Land. Like the Israelites, we can feel like we are in a spiritual wilderness. God seems to be absent. We spend ages wandering around alone, going nowhere. And we might even start whining about “the good old days.” How do we learn to see our times in the wilderness as important times when our faith is tested and strengthened?

This is the first week in the series, “Spiritual Wilderness.” Pastor Mary introduced the service with “Wandering.” Rev. Joel Fitzgerald’s message is based on Exodus 16: 2-15, 17: 1-7.

No longer enslaved, the Israelites forget how happy they were to leave Egypt. They narrowly escape their former captors crossing through the Red Sea unharmed. And when times get tough, they complain. Yucky water. Less than delightful food. Grumbling, “Why did they listed to Moses?” What does their time in the wilderness teach them (and us) about trusting in God’s provision?