Satan is so very good at what he does.  I have been chasing after the same mirage since I was 10 years old.  It is amazing how real it feels and that we think we can satisfy at some point in our life.  However, just like a real mirage, you never get there.  It just looks like water is there to quench your thirst but the faster you run the farther it gets.  The truth is that it was never there.  That is what the evil one does so well, he gets us focused on an illusion and then we chase because it gave us the falseness of a quick fix.  Now that I am older and allowed God to work in my life for the last 10 years, I am coming to see my mirage for what it is.  A place I can never reach and in the process of attaining that lie, people have and can be hurt.  However, there is truth in our deserts and it can quench our thirst.  An Oasis is a place where fertile ground and water is found.  Even in the lie that Satan has twisted, God says there is a place to quench your thirst a place I can lead you and you can stay there.  There are fruits to be eaten and as much water to drink as you need.  There is only one way to my Oasis, Christ says: Follow me, deny yourself (chasing your mirage), take up your cross daily (to help you in carrying other peoples burdens) and you will see me and be with me in the Oasis in the middle of the desert.  I am so tired of chasing my mirage and coming up empty handed every time.  Lord my prayer is that we can surrender, follow you and realize your path leads to that Oasis, which is your abundant love and your cup that allows us to drink the living water you offered the woman at the well.

One Love, One King, All Christ!