Today's post is a bit of an open letter in the name of encouragement, after a spiritually dry season that occurred shortly after a big move from one state to another. I pray it encourages you if you are experiencing a wilderness season in your walk with God! - Sarah Shaffer

"This isn't home anymore." Driving by myself, those unexpected words came from my lips two years ago. They startled and saddened me. I was a native of my home state. I had two kids comfortably enmeshed in their normal everyday life. My only family lived in the area. We had a growing, thriving business and the home of our dreams where I was sure I'd host my grandkids at Christmas. Everything familiar and comfortable was within my sightline. If God said "move," would I have the courage?

Fast forward two years. God did say, "move." My family proceeded to make the single most significant leap of faith of our lives. We uprooted two kids, sold our home, closed our business, and moved 1200 miles away from our family and friends to a place where we knew no one. Oh, did I mention we didn't have a home or job waiting for us? A leap, I promise.

The following year held heartache I couldn't have braced myself for and blessings I certainly didn't anticipate. The monumental change refined me and made me stronger. I grew in ways I didn't know I could and didn't think I needed to. It also produced something wildly unexpected. Somehow amid provision, unspeakable grace, abounding mercy, my spirit became dry. At times, I was so bone wearily exhausted I didn't have the strength to pick up my bible. Moments of doubt and agony over my oldest child's pain threatened to crush my heart, and I didn't have words to pray.

There were unhealed soul wounds that surfaced when my resolve evaporated. Injured places that had stayed hidden, and I didn't even know were at home in my spirit. Though the Lord was answering prayer after prayer, something in my soul withered when it should have thrived. I couldn't sense God's presence in the ways I was accustomed to or tap into the spark in my spirit. I yearned for the reassurance and refreshment of God's Word, yet my devotional time became less regular, and I sensed an unexplainable aversion to its care. I was going through the motions but found myself lost in a desert valley. One that, for the life of me, I could not understand. It was terrifying. Could I find my way back? Was God mad at me? Was I mad at Him? How, right smack dab in the most significant faith moment of my life, could I feel so far from the source of my faith?

Without question, this past year has been one of the most challenging, revealing, and healing times of my entire life. I share this with you today because we must be honest about our hills and valleys. We don't gain by simply discussing our struggles. However, when we struggle our way to victory and redemption, we console and encourage fellow believers. The Lord was unspeakably patient and kind with me as I wrestled. He was faithful. In miracle-sized ways, He was faithful and, in the minutia, faithful. In dry seasons it's important to understand that God can handle us. We need not protect Him from our hurts and struggles. There is an imminent threat of guilt and shame that tells us we no longer deserve God's presence. The sinister voice of the Enemy whispers, "You fell too far from grace."

I'm here today to tell you that none of that could be further from the truth. From ashes come beauty. From low places comes rebuilding. From experience comes understanding. Today, if you're relating to my story, I pray you'll be encouraged. The Lord restores all things, including our dry spirits and wilderness wondering.

I'm so blessed to report that the Lord poured out a fresh filling of His Holy Spirit upon me. I relish in His tangible presence. He drew me back to His heart in new and profound ways. The Lord bestowed to me genuinely amazing grace. Through this experience, I learned several important lessons:

• You absolutely must make space for self-given grace to grieve.
• You must be honest with and feel all the feelings in the Lord's presence (He can handle you).
• Healing can take time.
• Keep praying until your feelings catch up with the Lord's truth.
• Ask and keep asking God to fill you up (He will!).
• Whether a trusted sister in Christ or a spirit-filled professional, ask others for help and prayer.

Dry spiritual seasons are uncomfortable and can feel downright scary. But, sisters, here's the hope. Never is water more refreshing than when you're thirsty! In your parched state, know this, your refreshing is coming. And, when it comes, you experience a renewed love and fire for the Lord. When a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit drenches your soul, you enjoy God-given hindsight that brings you to your knees and enables you to thank God for growth and grace.

Today, I pray this for us all:

Lord, I'm desperate for your tangible presence today. I'm struggling with doubt and faith. I'm spiritually weary. My spirit feels parched and chaotic. It's a lonely and scary place, Lord. Please, help me see where you are in this, and help me to recognize you moving, even in the faintest ways. Lord, will you give me hope that this dry season will only last a moment and from it, see beauty, growth, and blessing? I lay before you my offering of hopeful expectancy for a revival in my spirit and faith that is alive and active. Give me courage, patience, and endurance as I trust you to do more than I can ask for or imagine. You are good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.