TRUSTING GOD IN THE DESERT Gloria Pierre Dean
Twelve volunteers traveled by road and air for three days to obey a call and bring relief to North Africans. The emaciated faces of starving children on film had declared, “Come and help us.” Their need to trust in God could not be overstated. They left the comforts of home and country, holding on to the Lord's promise.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD” {Jer 17:7a ESV}.
The land they moved to had few trees, but the Lord’s Word declares that those who trust and obey His call, will be as trees planted by the water.
“He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jer 17:8 ESV
The midday heat of 110 degrees did come, but the twelve ‘trees’ did not wither nor fear. They prayed together daily and felt no anxiety. They fed the poor and nursed the sick. Clean water wells were dug by World Vision, and cholera was stopped in its tracks. They did not cease to bear fruit as the Lord’s Word promised. Fruits of love and kindness were abundantly planted in that natural desert.
In tough times, we must heed God’s promise. If we trust him when the heat and drought come, we too will not cease to bear fruit. He will faithfully provide us the water needed to flourish and produce.
“They are like trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time, and whose leaves do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do.” {Psalm 1:3 GNT}.
Gloria is of British Caribbean origin and lives in Florida. A wife, mother sister, retired nurse, and teacher, she shares the gospel by writing stories about faith in Jesus. Contact | 
