day eight: The wilderness tests our hearts and gives us a chance to strengthen our faith.

Buckle up, we’re going on a road trip! But before we hit the road, let's ponder some questions…

What kind of traveler are you? 

Are you the type that sees the trip as an experience and goes the scenic route, eager for a little adventure? Or, are you the Point A to Point B kind of person aiming for the quickest route?

If you’ve got two kinds of travelers on the same roadtrip, there’s bound to be some road bumps ahead. And that’s exactly what happened on the way to the Promised Land. Although the destination wasn't far, possibly just an 11-day trip, it ended up taking 40 years. Undoubtedly, Moses dealt with a chorus of "are we there yet?" during those years.

Why did the trip take so long? At its core the issue was the Israelites’ expectations.

The Israelites anticipated a sprint to the Promised Land, but God was setting up for a marathon. The desert road trip served as a time to prepare and train them to trust Him, as they were about to face situations demanding trust, patience, and courage.

After centuries of slavery, they had to learn a new way of being in the world, thinking like Kingdom people. Learning to live by faith, believing in God's promise of provision, and waiting on Him were essential lessons. Otherwise, they would take the long, difficult route filled with detours, u-turns, and unnecessary wandering.
They also expected Yahweh to be a cruel taskmaster like Pharaoh. But the Lord, abounding in loving-kindness, faithful to His word, and able to deliver from the gods of slavery, was a new concept. Adjusting to Yahweh takes time—for them and for us.
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So, when we face challenges on our own freedom road trip, we need to see it as part of our preparation and as an opportunity to pull into a rest stop and wait on God. He is always faithful in the desert.

Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 8:2

-   Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands. 

Scripture Reference: James 1:2-3
 
-    2 Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 

Prayer Prompt: Going through a trial right now? Seek God's assistance in building trust, strengthening your faith, and finding encouragement in your waiting. If you're not in a trial, express gratitude to God and request His guidance in preparing for any challenging roads ahead.