A Daily Purpose

Bible Study & Devotional Day 80

Written By Torrie Slaughter

Guiding Scripture: Numbers 32:23 But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.

🔴 Remember What Happened Last Time?…

To achieve a different outcome, one must be willing to make changes.

Ugh! It’s happening again! The thing that keeps you frustrated, anxious, and raising a determined fist. You declare that next time it will be different until it happens again.

I imagine that’s what Moses felt when the men of Gad, Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh requested to settle in the land east of the Jordan River. It was Deja Vu! Moses remembered what happened the last time the Israelites doubted God. The Lord added more time to their wilderness era and forbade an entire generation to enter the land of Canaan. Caleb and Joshua were the only ones willing to go to war to claim their inheritance. (Numbers 32:12)

The remaining ten spies put fear in the hearts of all the tribes, and guess what?

Moses interceded on their behalf and God was merciful in His punishment. The Israelites wandered around in the wilderness until that generation died off. (that’s an important point to ponder) What did that mean for Moses and those who were ready? They to had to wait. (Numbers 13:26-38)

It’s incredibly frustrating to want to walk faithfully with God alongside doubtful people. Yet, we watch it repeatedly happen. But this time, Moses recognized the warning signs. Not again! (Numbers 32:7-15)He put his foot down and let the men of Gad and Reuben know that their plan would impact an entire nation.

But this time the motive was different..

Numbers 32:5, And they said, “If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants for a possession. Do not take us across the Jordan.”

The men of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh weren’t acting in fear. It was strategic. They wanted to settle in a land that provided all the resources for their enormous livestock. Their men were willing to go to war and return to their land if the Lord would bless them.

Are you living to die?

If you wonder why things aren’t changing even though you have all you need to be victorious, it is time to check in with God. Fast and pray. Why waste another day repeating failure when you know the outcome? You may need to have challenging conversations, but if your motive is to please God, ask His blessing.

Allow our Lord to direct you to a solution that will achieve a beneficial outcome while you’re waiting. Choose to walk in faith and be radically different.