Why Beyond This Desert?

When God saved the Israelites from slavery and abuse, He allowed them to wander in the desert some forty years on a journey that should have taken only eleven days. He did this for a purpose: He was teaching them and preparing them how to be a holy people for a holy God. He was showing them His heart, His faithfulness, His trustworthiness, and His love.
We have been in somewhat of a desert: infertility, six miscarriages, two sons passing away at birth, and a brain tumor – just to name some highlights of our young marriage.
Like the Israelites, God has a purpose for us in this; He is working it out and even giving us joy! He has forged us through this suffering and created in us a faith and trust that could not have been gained otherwise. All along the way, He has proven Himself as Father, Counselor, Redeemer, and Friend.
Beyond This Desert is our life: where we are going and what we have gained, all the while knowing God has more?