May 16, 2020
What does it say?
The Israelites were not to forget all God had done for them.
What does it mean?
The Israelites had wandered in the desert for 40 years because of their lack of trust in the Lord (Numbers 14). God used the years in the wilderness to test them. Could they learn to be obedient? Would they trust Him to fulfill all of their needs? Although God knew the heart of His people, the time in the desert was necessary to bring the Israelites to an understanding of their need for God. Providing food, water, and shelter, He completely sustained them. Their shoes didn’t even wear out! Moses urged them not to forget all they had learned once they entered the Promised Land and were enjoying the blessings of God. Deterioration of faith begins with forgetting God’s provision and love.
How should I respond?
The struggles of life will never be too far away. We tend to realize our utter dependence on God when it seems our world is crashing down around us. Remembering the ways God has taken care of us before is the best way to get through today’s difficulties. How has the Lord provided for you in the past? What did you learn in those moments of desperation? Remembering those lessons will strengthen your faith and keep you reliant on the Lord. The next time you’re tempted to focus on your struggle, remember that God is your Provider and Protector – yesterday, today and always.