This Time

I know what you're thinking. “Ok, this is good Biblical history but what in the world does it have to do with my walk with God?” This passage’s significance is only seen if we look back at Numbers 13-14. God had called Israel out of Egypt and promised to give them the land of their fathers: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It was to be the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis, that he would give him and his descendants a great inheritance.

After God brought the Israelites out of Egypt and established his laws and covenants with them, it was time to enter the land of Canaan, or “promised land” as it was commonly called. Before they could take the land though, they needed to know more about it to see how to defeat the nations who currently lived there. So they sent out spies. Out of the twelve, only two of them came back believing that they could take the land. They saw the good things about it and knew how great God is, while the other ten only saw how intimidating the land was. Because of the people’s unbelief and complaining against God, that generation did not get to enter the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb had to wait forty years to complete the task they believed God for.

Today’s passage tells us that this time, there was success. This time, God’s promise was realized, as Israel, under Joshua, received the promised inheritance.

Do you have a “that time” and a “this time?” I know I do. Honestly, it’s sometimes easier to see the “that times,” when what God has called me to seems too big. But as I have trusted God and waited on him, I see that he makes me ready for “this time.” This time, I walk in faith, and look at the good things God can do and is doing. Maybe “this time” is today.

Dear Father, thank you for your patience even in my doubts and struggles. I choose to believe that this time it will be different. This time I will cling to you and see victory as Joshua did. Take my hand and give me courage for “this time.”

Throughout this day: How have you struggled to trust God for victory? What can you do to mark today as “this time?”

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