Deuteronomy 1:1-8
God does not desire His people to remain in one place all the time. He desires that we advance in knowledge and experience of Him.
The journey of the Children of Israel from slavery in Egypt to a new life in the Promised Land parallels the walk with God of each individual Christian and church. We do not always know where the Lord is leading us but each day He allows circumstances into our lives that are designed to stretch our discipleship and teach us to rely less on our own resources and more on Him.
At the present time it is easy for Christians to feel marginalised. Throughout the world, secular governments are trying to curtail the influence of the Christian Church. Even in supposedly free liberal democracies, Christian truth is not welcome.
In these circumstances, it is easy to identify with those Israelite spies who saw the passage to the Promised Land blocked by giants. When we view our own circumstances in the same way, we totally underestimate God, for the land He promises is an ‘exceedingly good land’ (Number 14:7)
