My message for today came from a story told in the book of Numbers - 13:17 - 14:45. It's the story of the Israelites as they came to the border of the promised land.
Moses arranged for spies to scope things out and when they came back, they had proof that the land was as lush and bountiful as God had told them it was. BUT, 10 of the 12 spies also told the people that they would NOT be able to possess the land because there were giants living there! Long story short - the 10 spies succeeded in scaring the people and leading a revolt against Moses & Aaron (which was really a revolt against God's leadership!). God told them they would not be able to enter the promised land because of it, but would wander in the wilderness until they died & their children would enter the promised land. At this the people got scared and decided they would go fight the giants after all. Moses warned them it was too late & they would not be able to defeat their enemies without God's leadership & support - but they were determined - and many died in that battle.
As I thought about this story, I began to see too many parallels with my own life. I obeyed God when he led us to move to our new home in a new state, and I've been amazed at the miracles performed to get us here. But I'm afraid I've also done a bit of grumbling. The new house is needing more work than expected & it is taking longer than expected - and some of it we REALLY don't even know how to fix. I've found myself getting discouraged at times about the length of time things are taking and comparing my new home negatively with the home I left behind (sounds a bit like the way the Israelites were always longing for the fleshpots of Egypt doesn't it?)
As I read this story in Numbers, I felt it was a major wake up call for me. A reminder that God knows all about the giants in the land (those things that seem to loom so large because we aren't sure how to handle them) and he never intended for us to fight them on our own!!! He's the one that will fight those giants! I do NOT want to rebel against God the way the Israelites did! And instead of letting the giants discourage me, I choose to put my faith in God to work things out, believing that his plans are for my good. (Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.")
Father, thank you for your gentle reminders in my life. Thank you for your promises and for all you are doing in my life!!!! Thank you for this promised land you have brought us to - for our new home and all the good you have planned to bring into our lives here. We are grateful for your leading and all you are doing on our behalf. Thank you, Father!
