The Desert

You may be wrestling with doubt, pain, loss, or a sense of distance from God. You are not alone. This season has purpose, and it may be where the deepest transformation in your faith takes place.

You're Not Alone in the Desert

If you’ve identified with the Desert stage, first know this: you are not broken, you haven’t failed, and God has not abandoned you. Desert seasons are a normal, even necessary part of the spiritual journey. Some of the most faithful people throughout history have walked through these dry places.

Your questions don’t disqualify you. Your doubts don’t diminish you. Your struggles don’t separate you from God’s love. In fact, they may be leading you to a deeper, more authentic faith than you’ve ever known.

What the Owning Stage Looks Like

Beliefs that once felt certain now feel shaky. You’re wrestling with big questions about God, faith, and meaning that don’t have easy answers.

Prayer feels empty, Scripture seems distant, and worship doesn’t move you like it used to. The spiritual practices that once brought life now feel lifeless.

You can’t sense God’s presence like you used to. It feels like your prayers aren’t getting past the ceiling, and heaven seems silent.

Tragedy, loss, illness, or major life changes have shaken your faith. You’re wondering where God was when you needed Him most.

You’re going through the motions but your heart isn’t in it. You feel disconnected from the faith community you once loved.

Everything feels meaningless, and you’re questioning not just your faith but the purpose of life itself. This darkness feels overwhelming.

God is Present in Your Desert

Even when you can’t feel Him, see Him, or understand Him, God is near. The desert is not God’s abandonment—it’s often God’s invitation to go deeper.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
— Psalm 23:4 (NLT)

This verse doesn’t say “if” you walk through dark valleys, but “even though”—because God knows we all will. And notice: He doesn’t promise to take us around the valley, but to walk through it with us.

There is Hope in the Desert

What the Desert Can Teach You:

  • Authentic Faith: Stripping away what’s superficial to find what’s real
  • Deeper Dependence: Learning to trust God when you can’t feel Him
  • Greater Compassion: Understanding the struggles others face
  • Honest Relationship: Moving beyond performance to genuine connection
  • Refined Character: Developing perseverance, humility, and wisdom
  • Renewed Purpose: Discovering what truly matters in life

Remember This Truth

The Desert is temporary: No spiritual season lasts forever. Spring always follows winter.

God is refining you: What feels like destruction may actually be purification.

You’re not alone: Many faithful people have walked this path before you.

This will pass: One day you’ll look back and see God’s hand in this difficult season.

Now Find Your Personalized Next Steps

Great! You’ve discovered your faith stage. Now let’s find specific opportunities, groups, and resources tailored to exactly where you are in your spiritual journey.

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Common Challenges in Owning

While the Owning stage represents spiritual maturity, it comes with its own unique challenges and temptations.

Pride

The temptation to become self-righteous or judgmental toward those in earlier stages of faith.

Burnout

Taking on too much responsibility or service without maintaining proper boundaries and rest.

Going Through Motions

Maintaining spiritual practices out of habit rather than genuine heart connection with God.

Spiritual Isolation

Becoming so self-directed that you don’t seek input, accountability, or community support.

Performance Orientation

Measuring your worth by your performance rather than God’s grace and love.

Mission Drift

Losing sight of your core calling and taking on too many competing priorities.

Explore Other Faith Stages

Asking honest questions

Building a grounded faith

Taking responsibility

Wrestling with faith

Multiplying faith

You Don't Have to Walk This Alone

Find gentle support, an understanding community, and resources specifically designed for those navigating desert seasons.

Faith Stage Framework

Growth isn't always linear, but every stage is part of the journey.