I AM so you don't have to be Lesson 15

I AM so you don't have to be Lesson 15

Full Circle

Focal Scripture

Numbers 14

Numbers 32:16-18

Lisa writes

This week, we are going to revisit Numbers 32 This is the portion of Scripture where Moses is still alive but has already been told by God he would die before crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land.

As Moses' last act of war, God has just executed vengeance upon Midian for their part in seducing Israel to idolatry. The spoils were divided amongst the tribes and the request arose from the sons of Reuben, Gad, and the 1/2 tribe of Manasseh to be given the land east of the Jordan as their inheritance since it was a suitable place for livestock.

Here we find ourselves in a familiar place, one the Israelites had been before. Once again as forty years prior, the nation is standing at the edge of the Promise and here are a small number who want to remain behind.

The set up is reminiscent of Numbers 14 when the nation wailed over the reports brought back from the spies about the land and its inhabitants. Only Caleb and Joshua trusted God to go before them into the Land while the other ten spies discouraged the people by spreading doubt and fear. The ensuing rebellion cost Israel forty long years and the death of the entire generation - all because ten men did not trust their God to finish the work He had begun by leading them out of Egypt.

Was this about to be a replay of what had happened forty years earlier? Had Israel learned anything in their wanderings? Which leads us to ask ourselves the very same question: What wisdom are we gaining in our afflictions? How are we reacting differently when we are presented with circumstances which yesterday would have found us in rebellion against God?

There comes a time, Girls, that something has got to give. We can live in this borderland the rest of our days but this is NOT the life Your God intended for you to live! How long do we have to flounder without yet learning to draw from the well of experience we have with our God in order to let His deliverances CHANGE the way we move through this life? AFFECT our decision making? MOVE us from bondage to abundance? When are we going to stop making the same ridiculous mistakes over and over and over? God can and will clear the way for you into abundance, but He can not take the steps for you. Just like the Israelites, the Promise is there waiting for the generation and more specifically, the woman who will be brave enough to possess it.


Burning Questions:

1. I think we can all agree most of us find ourselves closer to God in the struggle than without it. How does it affect you knowing that trial is what draws you more intimately in relationship to Your God?
Honestly? It sometimes angers and defeats me. Why do I have to keep going through trials? Why can't I have it easy once in awhile. The answer always comes back the same. You don't need me in the easy, you only come to me in the hard. When I learn to lean in the hard times all the time, then I will also learn to lean in the easy times too.

2. Have you ever made a huge mistake but then found yourself in the position for a 'do-over'? Did you make a better decision the second or third or fourth time around? :)
Yes, I have found myself in a "do-over" a couple of times, and thankfully because, I remember the lesson, I was able by the grace of God to respond differently.

3. Is there a 'generational sin' in your family you have overcome? This can be anything from a lineage of unbelief to issues of many kinds. This may be a private matter. Share if you feel liberty or quietly thank God for His deliverance. If you have not yet been delivered, I pray with all my heart God's Word is giving you courage to ask for help in that area.
There is a generational sin of Alcoholism in my family. I have chosen not to drink, or if I do very seldom. My sister is a practicing alocholic, and my brother is on the border. I have three children, that also battle this sin, two have it under control, one does not.

4. Have you ever been misunderstood? Do you feel unforgiven for past mistakes even though you know God has forgiven you?
Yes, I am known for the "Peter disease" I open my mouth and promptly insert my foot.

5. Is there a sister you need to extend grace towards in order to be able to 'bless God together'? Do you comprehend how your unforgiveness is hindering her from inhabiting her own Promise? If no, do you recognize a situation within your church body where this may be happening? If so, ask God to raise up a 'Phinehas' (mediator) in this situation. He may just reveal the Phinehas is you. :)
We have been attending a new church, and I am still the "new kid" on the block. I am trying real hard to keep my foot out of my mouth, and to be a encourager.

Good lesson Lisa, friends and I were just discussing this very topic.