The book of Numbers talks heavily about the wilderness. It is all about Moses and the Israelites making mistakes as they are going to the promised land. While on the road, they complained about not having food or drink (even when God provided them with enough) and even longed to be slaves to Egypt again. Because of their lack of faith and their mistakes, God had them walk in the wilderness for 40 years! That is a long time to walk around with no permanent home and lacking in the faith that they needed in God.
This got me thinking. How many times have I spent grumping and walking in wilderness trying to blame it on God? Sadly, that is more times than I care to admit. It seems like we are all in a wilderness right now. With all the new rules and regulations going on with COVID and not really seeing the end in sight, life is just unpredictable right now.
But our God promised them in the beginning of Numbers before they left and made mistakes. In Numbers 6:24-26 the Lord said, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
God eventually allowed them to make it to the promised land. And never did he leave them. In face he blessed them and kept them. He shined his light upon them and gave graciously to them. He took notice of them and gave them peace.
One day, we will feel that peace. His face is shining upon us and he is blessing us whether we know it or not. Do not be discouraged as we are going through this wilderness because our Father is with us through all of it.
With love,
Intern Pastor Jc Pappan