Deuteronomy 8:1-11

If I could travel back in time, when God delivered the children of Israel from Egypt, I would hang around to see all the miraculous events take place with my very eyes. I’ve witnessed the hand of God work mightily in my own life, and in the lives of my family and friends, but to actually see the Red Sea parting, or pillars of clouds and fire, would be an amazing experience. I often wonder why God’s people took for granted His sustaining love and grace, because under no other circumstance would they have broken away from their oppression, nor been able to survive 40 years in a wilderness without the necessary resources to survive. In my visit to the ancient past, I would ask God to also send me with an ATV with unlimited gasoline, so that I could ride around and see just how everything played out.

Watching how God tested Israel in the wilderness would be a very interesting exploit. Israel was chosen by God to represent all He stands for to an evil world, so they had to be tested and proven to see whether or not they would represent godliness well. In my opinion, 40 years is more than enough time to prove the heart and intentions of an individual, but apparently, Israel had issues that required more time to reveal. God provided food when they saw no meal in sight. He kept them safe from whatever unknown dangers that possibly lurked in the wilderness. But the miracle I still can’t fathom is how the clothing the people wore didn’t wear out for 40 years! Take into account how often the clothes you wear get worn or torn within a few weeks of wearing them. God is absolutely amazing! God’s plan was to humble Israel, and prove what was in their hearts, whether they would indeed keep His commandments. He withheld food for a time, in order to teach them that men live not only by bread, but by every word that proceeded from the mouth of God. It’s obvious that our bodies require proper nourishment to survive, but what sense does it make to have a perfect bill of health, while heading in the direction of hell and eternal damnation? Think on that for a moment. Many today work hard to maintain a healthy diet, while sacrificing the unhealthy foods they love and desire. But it’s more important to know your place in life, as well as being healthy, because obeying God’s will is what sustains us, as we continue our journey in this life.

After the 40 year wilderness experience, I’d stay a short distance behind Israel as they finally enter the Promised Land. I would bask in the beauty of all the plush trees, waterfalls, mountains, and all ube beautiful creatures that roam the lands. I also read that giants inhabited the land as well, so I’d make sure my cell phone was fully charged to take lots of pics of them as well. When we stay in the will of God, He will take care of us. Like the children of Israel, God loves us, and wants to give us His best, but we must also give Him the best of us as well. I often mention how unfair the scale is how God’s blessings for us are overwhelming, in exchange for simple obedience, but He offers His love without condition. Keep your life hitched to godliness, and the Father will sustain you, and keep you just as a loving parent would their own children.

Walk in love,

Ell