Embracing the Wilderness: My Journey of Self-Exploration and Rediscovery

 Dear friends and family,

I have missed you all deeply. You may have noticed my absence over the past few months, and I want to share with you the reason behind this unexpected hiatus. It wasn’t just a physical retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life; it was a spiritual journey—a pilgrimage, if you will—that the Lord led me on, deep into the wilderness of my own soul.

A Season of Silence:

Sometimes, life’s path takes unexpected turns, leading us to places we never anticipated. For me, this season was marked by an overwhelming sense that I needed to step back, retreat into a place of silence, and allow the Lord to do some deep work within me. This was not a time of passivity or retreat from the world, but a deliberate act of faith—a time to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).

In this season, the Lord began to reveal areas in my heart that needed healing, parts of my identity that had been lost or buried beneath the weight of expectations, both self-imposed and from others. He called me to face old wounds, to confront fears that I had long ignored, and to rediscover who I am in Christ.

The Wilderness Experience:

The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who were led into the wilderness, not as a punishment, but as a preparation. Moses, Elijah, and even Jesus Himself all spent time in desolate places, where they encountered God in profound ways. The wilderness is a place of stripping away, where all distractions are removed, and we are left with nothing but our raw selves before God.

During this time, I felt as though I was walking in a spiritual wilderness. The familiar comforts were gone, and I was forced to confront the realities of my heart. It was uncomfortable, challenging, and at times, deeply painful. But it was also incredibly necessary.

God, in His infinite wisdom, knew that before I could continue in the ministry He has called me to, I needed to be reminded of His truth, His grace, and His power. He led me to see that my identity is not in what I do, but in who I am as His child.

Rediscovery and Renewal:

As I walked through this journey, the Lord began to renew and restore me. He reminded me of His unwavering love and faithfulness, even in the moments when I felt most unworthy. He showed me that my value is not in my accomplishments, but in being His beloved. This journey has been one of rediscovery—finding joy in the simplicity of His presence, and strength in knowing that He fights my battles.

Through this process, I have learned to let go of the things that weighed me down, to forgive myself for past mistakes, and to embrace the future with a renewed sense of purpose and passion. I have emerged from this season not just as the same person, but as someone transformed by the grace and mercy of God.

Moving Forward:

As I return to the ministry and reconnect with each of you, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit that has been refreshed by the Lord. I am excited to share the lessons I have learned and the revelations God has given me during this time. My prayer is that as I continue on this journey, I can walk alongside you, encouraging you to embrace the wilderness seasons in your own life, trusting that God is always at work, even in the silence.

Thank you for your patience, your prayers, and your understanding. I look forward to what God has in store for all of us as we continue to seek Him together.

Conclusion:

May this testimony of my journey serve as a reminder that when God leads us into the wilderness, it is always for a purpose. He is the God who restores, renews, and redeems. He is with us in every season, and His plans for us are always good. Let us embrace the journey, knowing that it leads to a deeper relationship with our Savior.

Blessings,

Jenna OXOX