In this chapter are the words of Moses reminding the Israelites about their experience in the wilderness during the last 40 years. What must stand out in their collective memory is how unnecessary it was for them to wonder about waiting for the original generation to die. They went to the very edge of the promised land. Because originally certain men spied out the land and brought back a negative report, they trusted the word of humans over that of God.
Now Moses has challenged them to learn from the past that they might have a better future. God caused them to wonder in the wilderness for 40 years to humble them and to prove to themselves whether or not they would obey the Lord. How ironic it was that these people who were slaves to the Egyptians had to be humbled. Yet, there were times in their wanderings in which they chose to be disobedient. Jesus used the very words of Moses to offset the temptation from Satan by saying, “Man does not live by bread of only but by every word that proceeded out of the mouth of the Lord.” (Matthew 4:4)
Consider the purpose of the wanderings that they had to shed a slave mentality so that they might become a fit army capable of conquering their promised land. Consider the provisions of the wilderness reflecting how they were never without food and water, nor clothing or shoes. Consider the pledge for the wilderness that their experiences would not be wasted but mold them into the people that would possess what God had promised.
Think on these things in the same way for yourself. You have been through difficult times. Answers seemed lost. He wanted to doubt God, but you held tight to your faith that you have had. You likely have felt it was the worst of times. Instead of concentrating on the assault, concentrate on the facts of the matter that God gave you what you needed whether it be food or water or shoes that do not wear out. While you have suffered God been there with you all along. The Lord God has known how to lead you. He has known how to walk beside you to the most difficult of times in your life.
Avoid throwing away those revelations. Let their reality be a part of you. Transition from what was to what will be sometime in the future. Remind yourself that because of the past you can be strong in the future. Anticipate strength because this strength is divine. The land of promise stretched out before the Israelites, not the land of maybe. When you step forward into your tomorrow, gather confidence in the Almighty that what you face will be no surprise to him. Let yourself have a reflection on what was to be an encouragement not discouragement to serve the Lord.
Moses challenged his people in this chapter. So, we are challenged. Let the experiences of the past and in the future be a means in which you might glorify God. We are not pacing life by our own strength. God will give us the power to maintain a covenant with him.(vs 18) Wherever you are in life, God has brought you to this place. You are not there by accident. He brought you there and will keep you there.
Christian Writer 