READING: Numbers 14:1-15:41
Questions. Life is filled with them. Some of them aren’t easy to answer. Some are quite complex, while others are simple. Some are just silly. Others probably should never be asked (like, for example, the student who misses class and asks the professor, “Did I miss anything important?”). Two texts in today’s reading that include questions, though, are challenging to me:
First, the question of the Hebrews afraid to enter the Promised Land: “Why is the Lord taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? . . . Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?” (Num 14:3). Sometimes when God calls us to take a step of faith, fears grips us. In those times, it feels “safer” to take no risk, to focus on self, to return to where we were rather than press toward the future. Faith challenges us to march with confidence into today and tomorrow.
Second, the question of God to Moses regarding these same people: “Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?” (Num 14:11). This question may, in fact, be the most convicting to me. Given all that God has done for me (most particularly, supernaturally saving me and making me His child when billions of people around the world have no access to the gospel), why would I ever not believe Him? But, I do struggle at times.
I don’t want to give in to fear when God calls me to follow Him. Instead, I need to remember the simple but potent words Joshua and Caleb said to the people: “the Lord is with us!” (Num 14:9).
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you ever struggle believing God?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “God, remind me every day that You are with me. Wherever You lead me is best.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Numbers 16:1-18:32
