Giants in the Land

**A Lenten reflection on the temptations we face in the wilderness** **of life**

It’s desert that I’m dealing with
(this land of barren waste)
where I daily make a choice to stay the call.
It’s a wilderness, that’s all.
The promised land of discipleship
is far from milk and honey anymore.

Sweet Jesus, there are giants in the land.
The hot breath of prowling cougars singe my hope.
Power-hungry jackals stalk my joy.
Wolves, clothed like sheep, steal my trust.
The heat’s always on in this land of shadows..
I’m tired.
I’m thirsty.
I’m tempted to quit.
It’s about all I can take.

I’m aware of my enemies’ presence.
But where are the green pastures and still waters?
Those succulent Egyptian melons
sure would taste good right now.
I could go for some garlics and leeks.
Lord, my resilience is weak.
And in the midst of the wilderness,
I am hoping You will find me.

* This poem is found in Greg’s book “When God Speaks: Listening for Aslan in Everyday Life”