Thursday, July 24, 2014

Crucial Times

O. T. #328  "Crucial Times"
July 24, 2014
Numbers 14
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

LET IT GLOW

Throughout the past 42 years, we have been confronted with crucial times. We had to make a decision which effected our entire family. Sometimes we decided to move away, take another job or church, which meant switching schools for our children. Other times, we stayed and endured whatever. The hardest was walking in the time of indecision. Israel was at that time in their history, their lives. Are you there?

I know we've been camped out for a while with the Israelites listening to the spies' reports. They waited 40 days (testing) for these leaders to return from their expedition into the Promised Land. You'll recall that they brought back evidence of the wonderful, fruitful land. Along with that encouragement was the information of the walled cities and the inhabitants were strong, giants.
Caleb spoke up and told everyone that they were able to overcome it and suggested that they go up at once and possess the land that God promised to them.

I wonder if Jesus was standing at the door of the Tabernacle this time, listening and watching. This was a very crucial decision for the Israelites. Their life for the next forty years depended upon it that one thing. Would they march in trusting God to remove those giants so they could live there or not?
God had already promised that land to their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Hadn't they heard about all this all their lives while growing up in Egypt as slaves? And this God who delivered two million slaves could not take down a few thousand enemies?
Well, it is easy for me to sit here in judgment upon those people. It wasn't my son and nephews that would have to go fight. It wasn't my family that would be in danger of being attacked by those "ites."
Nevertheless...their focus was not on the blessings, but on the difficulties. Ouch!

Yet, I dare say that not a family in our country has not had a family member serve in one of our wars in the last century, has there? My father, grandfather, uncles, and nephews have. It is a sacrifice of a few for the protection of the many so our freedoms in American will continue. They deserve all the thanks we can give them, guys, gals, and your families.


LET IT GROW

How did the people react to all of this?
  • They lifted up their voice and cried over their circumstances.
  • They wept aloud all night.
  • The children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron.
  • The whole congregation said, If only we had died in  of Egypt! or in this desert!
  • Why is the LORD bring us to this land only to let us fall by the sword?
  • Our wives and children will be taken as plunder.
  • Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?
  • We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.
Yes, this was a crucial time in the history of Israel. They were on the edge of experiencing God deliver their enemies and lands into their hands.
What would it be? Would they stay camped there? Would they return to Egypt? Or would they go forward, obeying, and receive the blessings of God?

Are you at a crucial time in your life? In your family's history? Is there a decision you are having to make that will either devastate or bless your children the rest of their life? Will you decide to continue to walk by faith, though you see no way out of your situation? Or will you turn to the world for answers, give up on God?

What will it be, dear friend? Our God has parted the Red Sea and the Jordan River so His children could cross over them to experience a good life. He can part the high waters for you, if you will just stay faithful to Him. Stand on His Word. Stand still and see the workings of the Lord in your life. God is faithful. He keeps His promises, sweet one.


LET IT GO

Reading Psalm 103: Bless the LORD O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits...

Trust in the Lord.

Ask Him to give me His desires for my life and my family.

Surrender my desires to His.

Obey.

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