Today’s Tasting: Numbers 11-13
The Israelites were moaning and complaining, longing for the food they had in captivity instead of what God was providing for them in freedom.
God commanded Moses to gather seventy elders together at the tent of meeting. Then God came down in the cloud and the seventy were filled with the same Spirit as Moses. They prophesied to the people just as Moses had been doing.
Miriam, Moses’ sister, and Aaron, his brother, began to criticize Moses. The Lord called Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to the tent of meeting, where He again came down in a cloud and addressed Aaron and Miriam, with whom He was very angry. Miriam became covered with leprosy. Then Aaron asked forgiveness for sinning against Moses and Moses prayed for healing for Miriam. God told him to send Miriam outside the camp for seven days, after which she would be healed and could return to the camp. After seven days she returned to the camp and the people continued their journey.
Then God called on Moses to send spies into Canaan to see what the people were like, whether they lived in camps or strongholds, and whether the land was good or bad. After forty days the spies returned and gave a bad report because they feared the people who lived in Canaan.
Today’s Nourishment: In today’s reading we see many of the same human emotions and reactions we find in today’s world. We complain that we don’t have enough, even though all our needs are met. We murmur against our bosses and others in authority. We live in fear, sometimes lying to avoid moving forward.
Have you been called on to move in a direction you are not familiar with? Has God asked you to take steps that have stirred up enormous fears in your mind and heart? Dear child of God, know this: if He has called you to move in a certain direction, if He is providing for you, then it is time to trust in what God is doing in your life. We never know who is watching us and how our decisions may impact their faith or relationship with God. Here are some questions to ask yourself today:
- What have I been called to do, and am I doing it?
- Are my needs provided for?
- Am I trying to keep up with the world or am I moving in my calling from God?
- Have I been complaining about what I don’t have instead of showing gratitude for what I do have?
Pray to God about what’s in your heart as you think about these questions—for forgiveness if you need to, and for His direction for the path you’re on. When I’m in tough situations, I reflect on what God has brought me through over the years. In my heart I know He will take care of me and give me just what I need to make it each day. God will do the same for you if you ask Him to.
Tomorrow’s Delight: Numbers 14-15; Psalm 90
Robin Hardy
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Thank you Robin, this was a very encouraging word for me. When life gets tough for me I try to reflect on my past victories and that helps me get through every time. I like that you said we never know who may be watching and how our decisions can impact them. That is so so important and thanks for the reminder. Father, may our lives reflect you in everything we do and thank You for Your faithfulness You know just what we need and always there for us, Amen!
Your post helps us persevere in our God-calling. Kay Arthur calls perseverance, “Keep on keeping on.” And for complaining, I have said for years, “Complaining is the same thing as saying Christ is not enough.” This has been a very difficult week for me and I need to take inventory of my complaining and my perseverance. Thanks Robin for stirring up the need to check my emotions and attitudes.
Well said, Robin. Your post brings reminders right along with conviction for me. Do I know what God has called me to do? Yes. Am I doing it? Can’t say that I am, so the answer is No. And, it’s all because of excuses, when I know God is who he says he is and he will do what he says he will do. Robin, you’ve definitely led me to repentance on a few things. Thanks so much.