No one 20 years old or older was permitted to enter the Promise Land. This was the judgement from God against the Israelites because of their lack of obedience in God’s command to enter the land and have faith that God would defeat the nations that presided there.
40 additional years they made their way back through the Wilderness. Waiting.
I can’t help but wonder how many of the 18/19 year olds that were under God’s judgement because of their father’s lack of faith started counting the years until they would cross the Jordan and give a mighty, warrior’s cry as they fought for the land God had promised Abraham more than 600 years before.
These men who were now in their late 50’s held onto hope. They held onto faith in God’s mighty hand.
I know what it’s like to wait. To feel like you’ve been wandering in the Wilderness when it seems your “Promise Land” is just over the “next hill”. The wondering if you’ve lacked faith and that’s why you’re still here.
And how hope for the crossing of your own Jordan seems to waver.
I’m encouraged though by their resilience – how they held onto hope that God was indeed faithful to His promise.
The last week or so I’ve held onto hope with a fragile grasp. I’ve prayed through it and have had others praying with me. I’m encouraged however weak my grasp may be, to still trust.
The Israelites didn’t wander the Wilderness forever. I’m learning again that God is as faithful now as He was then. He desires us to have a future and a hope.
“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” – Hebrews 11:1
Whatever your wilderness today, take heart. God didn’t abandon the Israelites to wander those 40 years, and He has not abandoned you in yours. As David encouraged, “Be strong & be courageous!” You will enter your Promise Land.
