Testing - Praise & Pray (for others) January 7, 2022

The story of the Israelite journey from captivity in Egypt to conquering and overturning nations in Canaan is fascinating. Some experts believe the trip should have taken a few days. The Bible, however, makes it clear the Israelites traveled for 40 years! I don't know about you, but I can freely confess I would not have been happy to experience such a delay. Especially as it was as a result of certain people's fear. Having the entire community suffer as a result seems a bit tough.

According to the Bible, God chose that route to discipline, not merely to punish. He chose to allow the people to remain in the wilderness - all the while not lacking food, water, shade from the desert's sun, and protection from both animal and human predators - to train them. Deuteronomy 8:2 - Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.

God in His unlimited understanding knew that despite the miraculous feats He'd performed previously, the Israelites needed more training. They needed to be tested and toughened in their reliance on Him. I suspect that if He hadn't done so, they would have gone into the Promised Land and fallen for all the attractive vices waiting to trap them there.

Similarly, that is one reason why God keeps us waiting for the goodies He has for us. Like most parents, He wants to ensure that if we get that new gift, we'll appreciate and care for it. We can't do that if we get everything we want exactly how and when we demand it. We'd become proud and bratty. That is not God's way. I like to sum this approach as - God's not raising any punks. Indeed, He's raising each of us to become His representatives here on earth who can wield His power for His glory. We can't do that with the wrong attitude.

So, it will hurt when the things we're waiting on don't show up as swiftly as desired. However, delay isn't denial. And as long as we continue to honor God's instructions - listening to and obeying His voice and word, we'll continue to be refined by the Lord as stated in Proverbs 25:4. Finally, we can't forget the message from Tuesday - it's a new year and we need a new attitude. One that readily conveys that our God is at the helm of our lives, blessing us and moving us into inexplicable victories. An attitude of confidence in Him. Let us remember, while we wait with praise on our lips, that God's plan for us is encapsulated in John 15:7-8 - “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

Let us therefore remain in the Lord so He will bring about His blessings and thereby be glorified in the process, proving us to be the disciples of our Savior on earth. Glory be to God in the highest!