Out of the Wilderness to the Glorious City

I am a wilderness wanderer on my way to that great city of habitation, “the glorious city which has foundations Whose Builder and Maker is God. It is that blessed city which is all pure gold, as clear as glass, a city which has no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of the Lord lightens it, and the Lamb is the light thereof . This is the city where the saints will dwell forever. And the Lord is leading for each and all of His wilderness wanderers by the right way, that He may bring them in the same way into His eternal presence and to the enjoyment of those pleasures which are at His right hand for evermore (J.C.Philpot).”

In my wilderness journey, I walk through snares and temptations, like a sheep lost and helpless amidst vipers and snakes, in need of the defense and care of his Shepherd. I continually walk through hunger and thirst, through the storms and the droughts, through the coldness and wickedness of men, and the untrustworthiness of my own heart. I know I should not tarry nor linger for no matter how high the mountains and how deep the valleys, how thorny the paths and how tempestuous the seas, my Shepherd is guiding me by the right way, and shall deliver me out of this wilderness, to bring me on that perfect day to that great and Glorious City.

"Thus, looking to Jesus and going to Jesus, we travel through this intricate wilderness comfortably and safely to our home in heaven." ~Mary Winslow

“You shall then see, to your endless joy, what wonders of infinite grace have been wrought for you – in preserving and increasing your spiritual life amid innumerable deaths – and forever adore the conduct of wise grace that brought you safe to the heights of glory – through such dark and intricate maze – from the depths of earthly encumbrance. And until you are blessed with sight, you must live by faith. No reason is there for discouragement, since through the wilderness you have such a glorious Guide! Your dear Lord Jesus is given to be your companion through the world’s tribulation – you have His arm to lean on – and His bosom to rest in, under all your weakness, and in all your disconsolation. If your way be rough -- your shoes should be iron or brass; if you are surrounded with dangers – the eternal God is your refuge; if you are ready to faint under pressing weights – underneath are the everlasting arms for your support.” ~Anne Dutton