Many people are familiar with the Israelites 40 year journey in the desert. God delivered them from slavery in Egypt and set them off to freedom in "the promised land" of Canaan. What many people don't know is that the journey to Canaan was actually a journey that could have been made in only 11 days! Why then did it take so long?
God was not just concerned about his people receiving their inheritance of the land of plenty. He was also greatly concerned about the conditions of their hearts. They were a rebellious and doubting bunch. They watched his miraculous signs, yet wondered if he would meet their physical needs. He led them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night. He parted The Red Sea, sent manna and quail in the desert, and a wide array of other miracles, yet their hearts rebelled and their minds doubted his presence and providence. The journey took 40 years because God wanted to refine their hearts. He wanted to teach them patience and dependence on Him alone.
So, let me ask you this, "Are you in the desert?" Does today find you on a journey that seems to be taking too long? If so, ask God to show you what lessons you are to be learning. It may well be that your journey is taking longer than you'd like because God is working in others who are taking this journey with you. But, regardless of the duration, you must not give up. Stay the course. Walk with God daily because soon you will hear him say as he did with the Israelites, "You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance into the hill country of the Amorites." (Deut. 1:6) Soon, God will deliver you from your wandering and send you into the land that he has prepared for you!
Dear Lord,
Forgive us for our rebellion and doubt. You have good planned for us, yet we fear the future and grow weary on the journey. We thank you that you are faithful and ask that you open our eyes to see the things you are doing in and around us. Break our hearts until you are all we desire. And then, send us into the land you've prepared so that we can share your greatness with others.
In your name we pray,
Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment
We would love to hear from you!