How interesting that a trip that only takes 11 days took 40 years. In reading all of chapter 1 we can find that the Israelites were rife with disobedience toward the way the Lord had instructed them. They had become reliant on their worldly understanding and did not trust in Him. It was because of this way of living and thinking that what should have taken 11 days took 40 years. The same is true for us. When we set out to bring plans to fruition, but do not trust in God to make a way for our plans our path becomes much longer than it has to be. God’s way is simple. It requires our trust in Him and our obedience for the way He calls us. However, the world is strong and often we lean into our understanding rather than turn to Him. We can let the Israelites be our example of the path not to take. It is our reminder to trust and follow Him. In this way we will receive His promises with more ease and quickly.
(It takes eleven days to go from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by the Mount Seir road.) In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses proclaimed to the Israelites all that the Lord had commanded him concerning them.
Deuteronomy 1:2-3 NIV
God’s way is always the better way. He does not want us to be tired and worn out. He wants us to learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Everything He has for us is custom designed. He will lay nothing ill fitting or heavy on our paths. This can only happen when we trust Him without question. His promises are great and what we will receive is greater than we can imagine. The unfortunate part is that oftentimes we see trusting in God as uncertainty. The world tells us that uncertainty is to be feared. However, God is the most certain path we all have. We would do well to keep His company and learn to live freely and lightly by leaning into His ways. We follow God by seeking Him in all we do. The Holy Spirit dwells here with us and we can hear His quiet voice, but we must be close to hear Him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
Considerations for your planner:
- Do you feel like you have been in a season of 40 years that should have only taken 11 days? Write down the ways that you can seek God better today.
- Do you trust that you can go to God with everything? Write down the things you are not taking to Him right now.
A Story of Learning to Trust God's Path:
I had a hip replacement five years ago that came out 3 times and ended up infected so it had to be taken out. I had to live in pain and was not able to walk in all that time. Not having that hip caused other physical problems and I got really angry and frustrated with life. I only read my Bible sometimes and I couldn’t go to church. I ended up in a very dark and depressed place and asked God why. Why wasn’t He listening to me? I felt lonely and abandoned. My husband was always there to help with daily chores, preparing food, and praying for me, but I still felt abandoned by God.
Finally I went to my primary doctor to find a surgeon who could help me. He told me about the surgeon who did my knee replacements ten years ago and that he does hip replacements. I was told he may be able to help me. We went to see him and he said he might be able to help me, but it would be difficult and maybe 50 to 75 percent chance it would work. So we went forward with it and on May 4th 2021 he did it. Again it came out 2 times and had to be put back in, but the third time he put in a clip to help keep the hip in.
That was June 28th 2021 and my hip is still in and I was walking by September 2021! My husband prayed for me every day and people at our church prayed for me every day through this very difficult time. Looking back I now see that God was with me the whole time. He didn’t abandon me. He still was with me and loves me. I just couldn’t see Him because I had abandoned Him by not reading my Bible and not praying. Now I’m doing devotions, going to church again and praising Him for all those who prayed for me and especially for my wonderful husband who stood by me and helped me every step of the way!
- Kimberly Behrig
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