Most of us have been there. We’ve had those seasons—sometimes very long seasons—when God has felt terribly distant. Seasons when life feels hollow, foggy, and often dark. They are times when doubtful questions fill our minds, while meaningful answers are slow to be found.

I’ve spent more than my share of time in desolate spiritual territory and so I know it all too well. Through the process, I’ve come to a powerful realization: the outcome of a wilderness experience—and all of life for that matter—depends upon our perspective.

Those who attempt to navigate a spiritual wilderness in the fullness of their own wisdom will emerge—if they emerge at all—hardened and cynical because of the difficulties they’ve faced. On the other hand, those who learn to see their challenges through heaven’s eyes will find themselves stronger, braver, and more compassionate. Their faith in God will not have waned, but have flourished.

When faith is absent, life feels harsh and difficulties unfair. Through the eye of faith, however, God’s glory and love abound—even in the harshest of environments. It’s all a matter of how we orient ourselves when things don’t go our way, or when life appears to make little sense.

Recently, I took on a major home improvement project—replacing our driveway and the adjacent retaining walls. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I expended a lot of effort shoveling dirt, and sometimes heavy mud. Pressures of time and money made completing the project all the more difficult. I was not a happy camper!

What really helped was for me to adjust my perspective along the way. What an exercise program—shoveling and lifting block! Gone was the need to join a fitness center. And my tan?—well, it rivaled any that I ever gotten by spending gross amounts of money on a beach vacation. Finally, I found gratitude in being blessed by God with a nice home, and the strength and resources to make it a little better.

Let’s face it: life on this earth will be filled with challenges and difficulties of many sorts. Only by gaining heaven’s perspective can we keep hardships from becoming grievous. In fact, gaining heaven’s perspective in the midst of a spiritual wilderness is the only way that our spiritual lives can survive desolate territory.

We are now in the process of making my newly released devotional—Champions in the Wilderness—available for sale. It’s an excellent resource for those making a difficult transition, such as a student heading off to college, or someone who has just lost a close relationship(s). Champions is also a great tool for married couples or church small groups. Over the next few weeks, I’ll share a few concepts and/or excerpts from the book, along with information for ordering.

Whether you take an interest in my particular book, or not, getting heaven’s perspective will transform the very fabric of your life. It will be more than worth your effort!