Learning Through the Dry and Difficult Seasons

Devotional Reading: “…to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” – Deuteronomy 8:2

Dry seasons are not fun. You pray and it feels like your words are bouncing off the ceiling. You open your Bible, and it reads like a phonebook. Friends disappear, money is tight, and your spiritual fire feels more like smoke. But hear this: difficult seasons are not always demonic, many are divine classrooms. God teaches us depth in droughts.

Deuteronomy 8:2 says, “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years… to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart.” God led Israel into the wilderness—not because He hated them, but to prepare them. Dry seasons expose our true priorities. Are we in it for the blessings or for God Himself? Will we serve Him when the “goosebumps” are gone?

Even Jesus had a wilderness season right after His baptism (Luke 4:1-2). Imagine going from open heavens to open hunger! Yet, it was in the wilderness that His identity was tested and His authority solidified. God may allow dry seasons not to break you, but to build your endurance, your discernment, and your trust.

Know this; Some of your richest revelations will come in your driest seasons. So don’t waste the wilderness—take notes. Even in the desert, God provides “manna” moments. So if you feel like you’re in a dry patch, hang in there—He’s still your Source. He may not come early, but He’ll always come right. Stay plugged in.

Prayer and Confession
Lord, help me see the lessons in my dry seasons. Give me grace not to grumble, but to grow. Strengthen my faith when things feel barren, and remind me that You’re still my Source. Amen!

Further Reading: Luke 4:1-14, James 1:2-4, Isaiah 43:19