Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Deuteronomy 29:5, ” And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet. “
Background
When you map out your route for a trip, you might be faced with a couple of options. Many times, there is the choice of either taking the quicker and shorter route, or going the scenic, less direct path to get there. Each might offer its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and if it’s a trip you take more than once, you might even eventually go both ways. Years after Interstate 40 was completed to Wilmington, I decided one time to take the old route down Highway 421 to go visit my sister and her family. It didn’t go quite as smoothly as when I ordinarily zipped down there in a couple hours, as that was the first time a deer ever hit my car. As the Lord would have it, though, I did see her in time to swerve just enough so that she glanced off the rear quarter panel and avoided doing any damage to the car. Now, I wouldn’t call that a miracle by any stretch. But the Israelites’ story was a little different from mine.
Application
To be sure, they were heading east and not taking the quicker, shorter route. But they were given much more to be aware of than a stray deer in the night. God was doing miraculous things to them and for them, even though it felt like they were just wandering around in the wilderness. The scriptures state many times that God was leading them through that wilderness to humble and test them, with the ultimate purpose to do them good in the end. He did not send them out of Egypt, and then fly over to Canaan and wait for them to get there. He led them through the wilderness, and along the way He did some amazing things. He sent them manna each morning, water from a rock, and He kept their clothes from wearing out. I wonder how long it took them to stop dragging around the suitcases full of extra clothes? Did they notice after six months, or a few years, or as they were crossing the Jordan, that they were still able to wear their favorite outfit? How long does it take us to realize that God is leading us, even when we’re in the wilderness? And how many suitcases are you toting, just in case? God is leading, to do you good, and the sooner you realize it, the better.
Charge
As we seek Him today, try to notice the subtle ways God is working on you. Stop carrying around your extra suitcase just in case God stops providing, and take Him at His word.
Rich Holt / Originally Published on : BCWorldview.org
Also published on : Medium.com.
