CHAPTER 2:
The Israelites had waited in the desert for almost 40 years at this point. They waited partly because they had sinned against the LORD in not wanting to go into the Promised Land and partly because they needed to learn to rely on the LORD. Sometimes God holds up the plans because we aren't ready yet. Sometimes we need to wait and learn.
Have you ever had a waiting time? If so, when?
What things did you learn during your wait?
How have you grown because of your waiting time?
During their 40th year in the desert, God is on the move and the Israelites are ready to go. Their waiting time is over. Moses continues to recount their journey through the wilderness with tales of their travels and their victories. He needs them to remember the lessons they've learned.
Please read Deuteronomy chapter 2.
Why does God not allow the Israelites to take land from the descendants of Lot and Esau?
What does this imply about God’s character?
How does Moses encourage the people?
God has a plan . . . and He works it out in His own time. He also does not go back on His word. He had promised those lands to Esau and Lot and He made sure they kept them. He wanted the Israelites to have the land of King Sihon and King Og, so he hardened their hearts, provoking a battle, which they lost, and He gave their land to His people. Did you notice that God didn’t just hand the land over to them? They had to fight for it. They had to work for it. They were allowed to participate in God’s work. It always means more when you have to work for something. It’s personal then.
I don’t always move when the Lord is ready. I think I am sometimes like a sleepy child who doesn’t want to get out of bed. I know I’ve missed opportunities because I wouldn’t obey. I’m like the Israelites. I lack conviction sometimes. But why? What makes me stuck in my rut?
One reason is that I second guess: “Did God really say . . . ?” or “Am I just thinking this up for something to do?” Doubt creeps into my thoughts, clouding my vision and clogging my ears. Doubt keeps me still.
Another reason I stand still is because I’m trained for the “No. Be safe.” Just do what you have to do to insure your safe and easy future. That is how my daddy trained me. That is the state of my family. We are rooted. Doing something new and uncomfortable is a fearful thing. Whether it is doubt or fear of safety, both of these distractions are from the enemy. They are meant to slow us down, keep us from moving forward toward our own promised land in Christ. We must see it for what it is, and move forward with the Lord in faith.
What things stop you from moving forward in the Lord?
How can you overcome these road blocks?
Read Genesis 12:1-4.
I am always taken aback that when Abraham was commanded to go to a land God would show him, he got up from his usual routine and left, not really knowing exactly where he was headed. My "be safe" self would have gone into convulsions at this thought. But Moses just went and worked it out as he was going along. He knew God had a plan and Abraham trusted God. Oh, to be that faithful! No wonder Moses is mentioned in the Hebrews 11 roll-call of the faithful.
The story of Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son, is similar. When Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and transported to Egypt, he just did the next thing in front of him that would honor the LORD. Sometimes he had no control over his circumstances. Sometimes they were really bleak. But it was all part of God’s plan, and as far as I can tell, it was through no fault of his own that he was sometimes in really bad places. It was all God’s plan even though Joseph did not know the plan. Through it all, his eyes were on the LORD. When his brothers begged for mercy, Joseph revealed the heart of his actions: “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50: 19-20). Joseph had faith in God’s good plan and it glorified the LORD.
Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed by it all. I feel I’m not enough. I compare myself to people around me, which leaves me feeling insufficient and unable, instead of just looking at the LORD. Maybe I just need to do the next thing in front of me – safe or not, fearing or not – just do what’s next. We grow His fruit one decision at a time, right? So just do the next good thing for His glory. I am sure God is adding to that Hebrews 11 list of the faithful, and one day we will get to hear the whole list. Wouldn't it be glorifying to the LORD for our names to be on His list too?
What is the next thing you need to do?
How can you honor God daily through your usual routine?
Pray and ask Him to help you. He will.
CHARACTER OF GOD: God’s plans prevail
CHALLENGE: Identify your next step in following Christ. Brainstorm some ways you can follow through with this.
