So why did the Israelites spend so long in the wilderness?
The answer lies in Numbers 13 you might like to read this chapter before we continue. Moses, under God's commandment, sent 12 men into the land to search the land. The 12 men were chosen, one from each of the tribes and did as they were told, spending 40 days in the land.

So what was their report? Well it started of good and then got bad. Most of them looked at all the negatives and came to the conclusion they were not strong enough (verse 31). You know that's like us at times. We look at all the negatives and decide there's no way we can do something. Maybe God has challenged our hearts to do something or perhaps to give something up. I mentioned in my editorial about my drink situation, it was something God had challenged me about and yet I thought I wouldn't be strong enough and in a way I was right. On my own there was no way I would overcome, but I hadn't learnt the truth of Mark 9v33: Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

So will you be like the ten who said they weren't strong enough? Or like Caleb who in verse 30 said: "Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it". God has much to offer the Christian, but sometimes we have to make sacrifices to obtain the reward. Trust in God and He will help you fulfil His plans for you.

Please send any comments you have on this article to a.wood@assemblyyouth.net

Long Words Circumcision		Thought for the month What excites you?
	The Wilderness Years

All quotes are from the King James version of the Bible unless otherwise specified.