Daily Devotions based the Sermon on Numbers 21:4-9 from March 14, 2021
THIS WEEK: Lead Me to the Cross…Find the Snake…Find the Cross!
Life and situations in life can be challenging. Perhaps you are in one of those seasons now.
I have to say, often my first reaction is to complain about the situation and blame God for putting me in it or not removing the situation from me.
What I’m learning from Israel and God’s patient interaction with them (See Numbers 21:4-9 and the earlier devotions this week) is to go through life seeing things from God’s perspective.
Three things happen when you look up to the Lord. (Here’s the first two…read tomorrow’s devotion for #3)
- You live trusting God’s Plan.
The reason Israel had been wandering years in the dessert is because they lacked trust in God and Moses to conquer the land of Canaan. They were ready to go back to Egypt. Like Joshua and Caleb, all should have trusted God’s plan.
Numbers 14:7-9 “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”
This is only one of many reasons the Lord has given us to trust him and his plan. Look up and live, trusting God’s plan for you and your life.
- You live believing God’s Promises
Look at what God had promised Israel before they set out into the desert:
Exodus 6:6 “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. 7 I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord.’ ”
Six times in three verses God makes a promise…”I will…” When God says he will…he will. His promises are always trustworthy. His promises will never let you down.
What are the promises God gives you to look to when life challenges you? Here are a couple…
When you feel all alone and perceive that God is gone and doesn’t care:
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
When you feel life is too challenging and you feel like giving up:
Revelation 21:2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Which promise of God is your favorite?
Life can certainly provide its challenges…so don’t forget, when you are fed up, remember to look up!
Apply: Here’s a “promise a day” resource if you’d like one verse a day to reflect on, memorize and carry with you (https://www.365promises.com/).
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being always faithful and trustworthy. Lead me before I get fed up, to always look up and be reminded to trust you in all things and believe your promises are real for me. Amen.