Hebrews 11:1 & 2
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
This is what the ancients were commended for.

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:32-39
And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets,
who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,
quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.
Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection.
Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison.
They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—
the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.

Jesus, sometimes I want to turn and run away. I feel afraid, overwhelmed. I am in the desert and my heart is parched and dry and needy. I long for answers, comfort. I find these nowhere. I realize that I need to feel you, see you, hear you, taste you. Life feels so big and I feel so small. My faith feels small. I know you are here. I believe you are with me. You will never leave me or forsake me....and stil sometimes I wonder...

Let my life be a fragrant offering before you. Teach me how to trust You today when I can't see the outcome. Cause my heart to run to you. I choose to bring you the sacrifice of praise...I choose to acknowledge that You are good, even when I can't see Your goodness in the difficult places. I accept your love and ask that you would help me find the treasures you have hidden for me in the dark places of my life.

Isaiah 45:3
And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness--secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.

Thank you for the desert. Thank you that even in the desert You satisfy me; You quench my dry parched lips; You soothe me. Thank you that you are God. Thank you that you are ALL I need.

Stretch me and Increase my faith through this season, Lord. I choose to cling to You. You are my ONLY option! I love You so much, Jesus!