In The Wilderness – A Bible Study of Numbers

Though we’d rather see where we’re going, the believer’s life is lived by faith, usually in the midst of uncertain territory. A faith-walk is difficult because it runs contrary to all things human and earthly. We long to know for sure what lies ahead. But our desire to see contradicts a life of faith, because faith means trusting when we can’t see and choosing to see the hand of the Invisible when others scoff and walk away.

In addition to living by faith, we must do so in the wilderness–a place of arid desert, sparse resources, scorching sun, and freezing nights. The wilderness is both foreign and familiar, beguiling and off-putting, a place of rest and a place of struggle, dependent upon our faith or the lack thereof. It also requires us to examine our lives for the unclean, the unholy, the sinful, and to turn away from it and toward God. The wilderness thus becomes a place of testing where our true loyalties lie.

For the most part, we’d rather not have to deal with the wilderness. There are many places more appealing, easy, and enjoyable. But the LORD our God gives us no choice. We’re His covenant people. He will be honored and obeyed with no middle ground or neutral territory. His ways take precedence over ours for our good and His glory. The rough and rugged landscape of the wilderness is where God completes some of His best work, where He tries the souls of men, burning off the dross to reveal pure gold.

One of the most important aspects of walking through the wilderness is learning to depend on God. It’s easy to fall into the habit of complaint and grumbling. But instead, the Lord desires for us to bring our requests–our burdens–to Him in recognition of who He is. He is a God who provides and meets our every need.

So in spite of our desire for a less-stringent life than the wilderness demands, there are many lessons to be learned here, lessons which prepare us for the life yet to come. Join me for this walk of faith, where we encounter the One who leads, sustains, provides, cares for, and purifies.

Especially in the wilderness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Did you know that the Hebrew words for the Bible book we now call Numbers means “in the wilderness?” What an apt description of the human journey. This earth is not our home. We’re simply passing through on a pilgrimage to a better place.

I hope you’ll join me in this study of the book of Numbers. I’ll be adding new links to each post for easy access. Be sure to bookmark this page on your computer so you can return to check for new topics of discussion.

Numbers 1: Living God-Centered Lives

Numbers 2: Protecting the Holiness of God

Numbers 3: Sacred Work

Numbers 4: Working Together

The post In The Wilderness – A Bible Study of Numbers appeared first on Cathy Bryant.