The Israelites had reached the end of their wilderness experience of 40years and were at a critical transitioning point in Deut.1 vs 6- 7 – where God instructed them to move forward having stayed in the wilderness for so long.
’A wilderness experience’ means so many things to so many people. However, no matter how you define it or how long it lasts – whether 10 years or just 2 months – know this: when God speaks, that season must come to an end.
This births critical questions on what God is saying about our current wilderness experience – Is He telling us to build more faith, obey His leading, exercise more patience, or is it finally time to move forward? Many people will prefer the latter, but honestly speaking, there’s no use eating a half baked bread. If you are not yet matured enough, you will still need to stay where you are.
Obviously the Israelites at this point had become grown and more matured, hence, launching into new territories was not an issue for God because He could trust them to handle His blessings adequately at a higher level.
Relating this to this present age, can you be trusted with the very breakthrough you’re asking for? Will pride set in when you finally receive or acquire it? Will you be selfish with it or be generous with it? Will you still be faithful with God when you receive the breakthrough? And will you use it for the good of all when you get it or are promoted? When God says we’ve been on a certain position, condition or phase of life for too long, it is not because He takes pleasure in our stagnation. No, It ultimately depends on our willingness to build our faith ( by trusting Him and His Word as faithful), obey His instructions, and patiently wait on His timing. The sooner we yield to this process, the faster and smoother our transition becomes
There’s a wise Yoruba proverb that says, “You can only be afraid of the sender of the message and not the receiver of the message”. In this spiritual journey, God is the Sender and the enemy is the receiver. What seems impossible to ‘Man’ is never impossible for God. Therefore, what territories, sectors, milestone, training, skill etc is God commanding you and I to take?
Yes, taking possession of new territories can be deeply uncomfortable because growth demands stretching. It is our obedience that births a bittersweet experience which ultimately yields an unexplainable joy once we reach the finish line.
If God decides to release a territory, skill, project or something to us, it is because of His unfailing mercy and a recognition of our growth. We can not arm twist Him with our emotions, neither can we bribe Him to work on our terms. Ultimately, everything works at His sovereign will and perfect timing. One thing for sure is that the earth is the Lord’s and it’s fullness thereof (Psalm 24 vs 1), and so are His promises to us- they never Everything, we ask for will be released to us in due time according to His will.
Faith, Obedience and Patience are the 3 major currencies the Israelites transacted in with God, because He can’t be manipulated neither can He be influenced to do our biding, everything must align with His divine will. So, when He mentioned it was time to move in verse 6, it was truly in their best interest to move.
Like the Israelites, is it your time to move? Are you willing to exercise your faith, obey and wait or move when prompted despite the uncertainty ahead of you? Gird yourself with these 3 pieces of armor and move forward. Don’t be terrified of the threats of the enemy; instead move forward knowing that you have the greater one working inside of you.
Shalom 🕊️
Bimpe Lawal