Real wealth, which results in a deep inner satisfaction and fulfillment, is not found by accumulating belongings (stuff). Belongings, the glitter that’s found lying around, which the unwise generally desires and which is put on offer to those who are misled by promises, inspired and stimulated by greed.
The deceiving policies and practices originating from the National Democratic Revolution’s ‘radical economic transformation’, Black Economic Empowerment, the expropriation of property and many getting rich quick schemes, all fall within the category of obtaining easy wealth – getting your hands on what is obvious and apparently easily accessible.
This approach always leads to disappointment and everlasting emptiness.
God’s people, completely contrary to this, often find themselves in the barrenness of the desert, where the necessary means of survival is hidden from the naked eye and where complete dependence on God is the ONLY solution.
It is here in the desert where, although the eye only sees dry sand, just underneath that fresh water might be flowing, but only accessible to those who are asking for God’s guidance on where to dig and, being given that guidance, are prepared to dig.
The greedy, the lazy, the unwise, those who choose to remain outside of the realm of the Spirit of God, they won’t follow you into the desert. For this reason God often takes His children to the desert where He protects them, guides them and sustains them.
In Isaiah 45:3 God says this: “I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.” This is profound indeed.
God is not hiding these treasures from us; He is hiding them in order to protect them FOR US. God’s abundance, hidden from the ungodly eye which is looking for it on the surface, is hidden in darkness. It is accessible only to those who seek God; who seek Him, not for what He can give, but for who He is. God has “hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.” Luke 10:21
Finding yourself in the ‘desert’ is your greatest opportunity.