Hope for a Promised Land

We’ve been living in a falling in farmhouse for almost five months now.  The whole log house project is still in parts but finally all on the property.  Chickens have their coop and yard, the garden spot is done for the summer season, soon darling daughter’s goats will have a home here as well.

Spiritually I’ve been camping with the children of Israel in the desert.  Gazing at the top of the mountain where the glory of the Lord looks like a consuming fire.  Here in the desert I’ve been trusting God for daily manna and refreshing water.  Jesus has become my cornerstone and companion as desert gods have been revealed and rooted out.

The children of Israel keep looking to their past – “wouldn’t it have been better for us to go back to Egypt?”  Better to go back to bondage? To harsh taskmasters?  To lives made bitter by hard labor?  I have found myself tangled in this kind of thinking.  Better to go back because of fear of what the future might hold, because of fear that past experience will be repeated?

The desert walk was a path to freedom.  God’s children being free to follow Him with their whole heart.  There would be giants to fight and walls that needed to come tumbling down in order for freedom to be obtained.  God was leading his children to be free.

“The land is exceedingly good…If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land,…and will give it to us…do not be afraid of the people…because we will swallow them up…the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid…”  Numbers 14:7-9

The land of freedom is exceedingly good.  The Lord is there and is pleased by obedience.  The truth is, rejection and hurts will come.  In the land of promise bitterness does not have to be the outcome.  In the promised land the Lord is with me and the Lord abounds in love and forgiveness.

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Hope is found in the promised land.  The children of Israel didn’t know what the promised land would be like.  They knew what slavery in Egypt was like – but things were changing.  I can’t be free, move into new seasons, by holding on.  Must let go of the past, don’t look back, shoulders that are burdened must let heavy loads drop off as feet are set toward freedom. 

“But my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly.  I will bring him into the land…”  Numbers 14:24

 
Father, give me a different spirit to follow you with my whole heart.  To be consumed by desire to obey your commands.  Father, show me how to make room in my heart for your kingdom to come – for promised land living.  Help me see reality according to your truth.  To understand that there will be giants and strong fortresses, but God, you are greater than any other.

When I see God for who He is I rest in the truth that He is greater than any other.  The seasons get ready to change, joy falls like leaves softly floating on the breeze, and hope is renewed in the presence of God. For His presence and peace go ahead into the promised land.
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Sharing together with others who consider what hope looks like.