Sometimes I think or look back on decisions I’ve made and can see that sometimes God was not with me. What I mean is, I made the decision without the counsel of God or, at the very least, not taking the decision to Him in prayer.
In these past weeks of being unemployed, I’ve gone through a multitude of emotions and feelings. At times I’m despondent. Other times I’m at peace knowing that God will see us through, no matter the circumstances.
What I’m very concerned about most of all, is that whatever I choose to do next, I want to be sure that God is with me in that decision. This period in my life reminds me of a passage in Numbers.
Ten times the people of Israel have murmured and complained since God delivered them from Egypt. It amazes me sometimes because of all the miracles they witnessed yet they could not seem to trust God. But then, don’t I do the same? Haven’t I done the same in the past few weeks? In fact, we, in 2009, not only have a Bible that tells us of the miracles in the desert, but we have the benefit of a risen Jesus! How much more do we have today than even the Israelites did!
God tells Moses that no one from that generation will see the promised land with the exception of Joshua and Caleb (because of their faithfulness). Moses then relays this sobering message to the people.
When Moses spoke these words to all the sons of Israel, the people mourned greatly. –Numbers 14:39.
This is an appropriate reaction. Surely they realized at that moment what they have done. They should have continued to mourn and ask for forgiveness.
In the morning, however, those rose up early and went up to the ridge of the hill country, saying, “Here we are; we have indeed sinned, but we will go up to the place which the Lord has promised.” –Numbers 14:40.
If this were a movie, this is the part where the soundtrack would cut to a needle scratching off the record. Did you get what they said? They were mourning the night before over their sin. They wake up the next morning with a “Yeah, we got busted by God, but hey, the Promised Land is right there, let’s just go for it.” Wrong!
But Moses said, “Why then are you transgressing the commandment of the Lord, when it will not succeed? Do not go up, or you will be struck down before your enemies, for the Lord is not among you.” –Numbers 14:41-42.
Foolish people. In spite of God giving them a clear message of His judgment in Numbers 14:22-23, they think they can circumnavigate God’s will and still have success. Moses clearly reminds them that although God’s original plan was for to clean out Canaan before them, they lost out on that from their constant whining.
“For the Amalekites and the Canaanites will be there in front of you, and you will fall by the sword, inasmuch as you have turned back from following the Lord. And the Lord will not be with you.” –Numbers 14:43 (Emphasis mine.)
That’s pride. When you turn from following God’s will and you do your own thing, God will not be with you. Even if you experience short-term “success” (however you’d define that) surely you will reap the consequences of your poor choices.
But they went up heedlessly to the ridge of the hill country; neither the ark of the covenant of the Lord nor Moses left the camp. –Numbers 14:44.
They go up in spite of God’s command and even Moses’ words. So full of pride were they that the left the ark of the covenant behind! Can you imagine? They literally and figuratively left God in the dust!
The outcome is obvious:
Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down, and struck them and beat them down as far as Hormah. –Numbers 14:45.
What is your Promised Land, if I may use that illustratively? What is it that God is trying to lead you to but you’re wanting to do it your own way?
For me, my promised land is employment, or more importantly, the calling that God has for me and my life. I’m digging the ditches for Him and waiting on His rain. I’m praying that I remain faithful to His plan and not mine.
What about you? Will the Lord be with you in your plans?
The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. –Proverbs 16:9.
Are you letting God direct your steps?
May He Increase!
“God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life and may I burn for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one, like you, Lord Jesus.”
Jim Elliot, quoted in Shadow of the Almighty, page 247.
My brother! Good to hear from you again. I’ve missed your insights lately.
I hear you brother Joe! I am out of work 17 weeks. all that money spent by the gov,. Where are the jobs!!! In appalachia here we are not flush with work. I was out painting a house the other day, 53, fat old dude glad to get any work. God will provide, but it ain’t always pretty!
Will, wow, 17 weeks. I’m so sorry to hear that. It’s been over three for me. So many of the recent sermons at church have been perfect for my situation, even yesterday’s on gratitude. I have so much to be grateful for. That is what I’m trying so hard to remain focused on: what God has done for me and what God has given to me, and not just materially.
One of the most important things I’m grateful for are my brothers and sisters in Christ who are praying for me and have been so encouraging.