The book of Exodus tells an incredible story: God delivers a group of people, the Israelites, from the oppressive rule of the Egyptian Pharaoh and saves them from slavery in a foreign land. But instead of a short journey through the desert to their new homeland, God leads the people into the wilderness—for 40 years.

What happened during these long years?

A generation of wandering in the wilderness involved turmoil, disillusionment, and disobedience. But this is also the story about God offering daily bread through periods of hunger, fighting for relationship when doubt sets in, and encountering people in surprising ways with His presence.

In Exodus, we discover God is intimately close, committed to his promises, and provides sustenance in the most desolate of places. These are the lessons we need as we face our own wilderness.