Don't Settle!

In the Old Testament book of Numbers God is getting his people, the Israelites, ready to go to the promise land. Joshua has been commissioned as the new leader and God has given Moses one last assignment; take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. They fought against Midian, as the Lord commanded Moses and killed every man.

After the victory, the leaders from two of the twelve tribes, Ruben and Gad, came to Moses and said, "if we have found favor in your eyes let this land be given to your servants as our possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan. The Rubenites and Gadites want to stay in Jazer and Gilead. They want to build cities to protect their families and build pens to put their animals in. It was a fertile place. Moses agreed to this only if they would first help the Israelites fight and conquer the land of Canaan.

My first thought after reading these verses is that the Rubenites and Gadites were willing to "settle", no pun intended, for less than what God wanted to give them. God wanted to give them a place filled with blessings overflowing. But instead, they opted for what they could see and what they knew to be safe.

I know sometimes, maybe most times, I'm like the Rubenites and Gadites willing to settle for less than the best God has for me. I'm afraid. I'm afraid that I might fail and someone would see the failure instead of the effort. I'm learning it doesn't matter who sees and what they might think. I am a follower of Christ not other people. It only matters to Jesus. He knows my heart.

I want the promised land, the blessings, the best that God has for me. This only comes when I obey Christ and follow Him. Doing what I know He wants me to do. Doing what I know is right in my heart. Doing what the Bible says to do. It will be hard. It will be difficult. It will be painful. It can be confusing. But, this is where I have to TRUST God and follow Him, stay in His word, pray without ceasing and take one day at a time.

This year is my journey to the Promised Land. I hope that you'll come along with me and sees what mighty things God will do for His kingdom.

I'm trusting Him that it won't be boring.

God Bless you today,

Kelly