Desert

At some point in our lives, we will find ourselves in the desert. A place of heat and barrenness. We’re talking about the Mojave or Sahara in July, not Palm Springs.

The word desert is the Hebrew word “midbar” which comes from the root word “dabar” meaning “to speak.”

The Lord speaks to us in those desert places. It’s where everything we rely upon for comfort is stripped from us. Things we thought we needed but realized we didn’t. Things that may have kept us from hearing God speak.

Deserts aren’t comfortable. But deserts can be very educational. Not all of our deserts are the same. For some, it might look like caring for a loved one for a long time. For others, it might be dealing with an extended illness. Or perhaps financial challenge. Or a season of no writing productivity. Maybe a season of depression. A divorce, death of a spouse, a season of one rejection after another where you can’t seem to win for losing. Maybe moving to an area where you don’t know anyone.

Deuteronomy 32:10-12

Where is God when we find ourselves in a desert? Initially, we feel alone, forgotten, and vulnerable.

What if we placed our own names there in verse 10?

God does 4 things when He places us in a desert:

1. He surrounds us

2. He watches over us

3. He guards us (like the pupil of His eye)

4. He guides us (He alone)

Moses was a man acquainted with the desert. Interesting that the Lord put Moses in a desert for 40 years before putting him in another desert as the leader of God’s people where they wandered for 40 years.

Deuteronomy 8:2-5 - We learn what we’re truly made of in the desert. The Lord doesn’t place us in the desert to ruin us. He does it to refine us.

Moses went from being advanced in hieroglyphics and Egyptian sciences, one of Pharaoh’s elect to tending sheep in an obscure part of the desert. Talk about humility 101!

Each of our deserts will look a little different but serve the same purpose of humbling & refining us to be more effective Kingdom writers.

Resources:

If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book we have a few ways we can help you.

1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day

Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing.

Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.

2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes

If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book.

Get started now for just $27

3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy

Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book.

Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST)

Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

Join Me for a Free Live Training! Add it to your calendar here: https://www.addevent.com/event/LP24300245

📆 Tuesday, January 7th at 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific, 11 am Mountain, noon central)

Topic: “Beyond the Book: How to Build Bridges and Spark a Ripple Effect With Your Message”

In this live training, you’ll learn about:

✅ The Mosaic: How your book is the first piece of a bigger picture God is creating through you.
✅ The Ripple Effect Plan: How even one simple step can amplify your book’s reach and bless more lives.
✅ 3 Simple Steps to Create offers that naturally guide readers back to your book.

### Why Show Up Live?

✨ You’ll leave with a clear, actionable Ripple Effect Plan for your book—a simple blueprint to multiply your message without feeling overwhelmed.

✨ Live Q&A: Get your questions answered in real-time so you can confidently take the next step.

✨ Clarity and Confidence: You’ll finally see how to expand your impact while honoring the message God has entrusted to you—without overcomplicating it.

God gave you this message for a reason. This training will help you take the next faithful step to serve your readers and unlock the greater story He’s still writing.

**

📆 Save the Date and Add It to Your Calendar Now: https://www.addevent.com/event/LP24300245

If you can't make it live the replay will be posted here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_MxZkAom1Yk_s-6_cSYFLndXZpQqn3xwxwAwar6M-Zg/edit?tab=t.0

This year marks 20 years since I began my online business journey, and what a journey it has been! It’s been filled with both challenges and blessings, but through it all, God has taught me so much. As I reflect on the last two decades, I want to share 20 lessons I’ve learned along the way.

To celebrate this milestone, we're giving away our Kingdom Writers book for free from December 17–19, 2024. You can download your copy here.