Do you ever compare yourself to the Israelites, and think about how crazy they were? And how you are so much smarter, and would never question God the way they did? I mean, God was making bread rain down from heaven for a food supply in the desert, and leading them around in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Yet they still doubted Him so much that they started worshiping an inanimate object – a golden calf made of earrings and such – right in the midst of the glaringly obvious presence of God Himself. They simply did not trust Him, although His provision was quite evident, at least to those of us who read about it now.
in Numbers 14, the Bible tells us that the Israelites actually preferred to return to slavery in Egypt than to move forward into the new land God had promised them. A land flowing with milk and honey. What were they thinking?! They were afraid of the unknown, and I sure can relate to that. The majority of the Israelite spies that scouted out the Promised Land came back with reports of terrifying giants with strength that could not be overcome, not even with God on their side. There are so many things that I've viewed in the same light, in my own life. "I can't do this. It's too hard. I'm not strong enough. It's impossible."
I wonder how many things God has wanted for my life that have not come to pass because I didn't trust. To this point, I have been just like the Israelites. But I don't want to die out in the wilderness with the Promised Land just over the horizon. I want to be like Caleb the spy, who brought back a good report of the Promised Land and believed that God would be faithful in fulfilling His promise and helping them to succeed, even in the face of adversity. In Numbers 14:24, God described Caleb like this: "But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it." I want to reach the blessing God has promised me if I just trust wholeheartedly and obey. My trials and tribulations (wandering around in the desert, if you will) right now are teaching me to have faith so that I can step into His promises.
I'm going to follow God fully. Even if things are uncertain. Even if it's scary. Even when I don't think I can do it.
Because the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 12:9: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.'"
I'm leaving Egypt and my former slavery behind, and claiming the freedom that is already mine in Christ. I'm not strong enough. But God sure is.
