2 And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that He might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. ~ Deuteronomy 8:2ESV
The Israelites struggled with their faith from the moment they left Egypt. We often judge this, but when we look at it for what it is, we can see that it’s no different with us today. When we are in our slavery to sin, we cry out to God, but as soon as He saves us, we grumble, complain, and doubt that He can keep us from temptation and sin. This is how the Israelites were as well. They saw miracle after miracle from God Almighty, yet fear and doubt still took root in their hearts and caused them to have to wander the wilderness for forty years.
But their story didn’t end there. God didn’t give up on them. He still led them and was with them wherever they went. He never left them. And along the way, He continued testing them, I believe, getting them prepared for their restoration. Their failure and lack of faith didn’t stop His plans for them. Those who weren’t willing to be molded missed the promised land, but the next generation that was willing to listen to God didn’t. The plan of God wasn’t tarnished, nor did it fail. It was brought to fruition because His Word never fails.
Today God still calls mankind and has plans for us all, but it’s up to us to trust Him and have faith that He is able to fulfill that which He has spoken to us. He will be with us despite the wilderness, the obstacles, the mountains, and during this, He will be testing us and humbling us on the way, preparing us for the fulfillment and restoration. He’s preparing us for our promised land. So, hang on to His Word. Hold tightly to His promises. Don’t allow fear to hold you back because the LORD is with you wherever you go. You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to have faith in Him.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Have Faith In The Wilderness.