A life of faith

Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” Exodus 13,17 (NKJV)

The life of purpose is not exempt of challenges.

In the opening Scripture, we have the story of the Israelites.

After being slaves for hundreds of years in Egypt, the Israelites went out of Egypt in destination to the land of promise. The land that was promised to their forefathers to be their inheritance. The nearest route to it was by the land of the Philistines.

However, God perceived that taking this route would be too much for them, too soon. Out of fear, the people would change their minds and decide to go back to Egypt. Which is evident when one looks at how they complained in the wilderness (the itinerary they took). They always referred to Egypt as if a better place forgetting they were slaves.

God chose the way of the wilderness as a 'capacity building program'.

I believe that spending forty years in the wilderness was not God’s plan. They didn’t have to spend that much time going around.

God took the Israelites on a journey of knowing who He is, who they were and the nation they would become.

God revealed Himself as a gracious and caring God; giving provision, protection and guidance. They had food everyday (manna falling from heaven), water, meat. Their clothes and shoes did not wear out. They had the pillar of cloud by the day to lead them and the pillar of fire by the night to give them light. Basically, God did everything to prove that He was all sufficient for them and all powerful.

In addition, God gave them laws and commandments thereby setting them apart from all other nations. 

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” (Exodus 19, 5-6 NKJV)

“Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at him. 

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.” And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” Matthew 13, 54-58 NIV

Jesus did not do many miracles in his hometown because of the people’s unbelief.

This was the problem of the Israelites. They failed to believe God. They complained, murmured against Him, tempted Him, made for themselves an idol in order to worship it, and so on.

God sworn that none of those who defied Him would enter the promised land. Only their children, and Joshua and Caleb who chose to believe God no matter how things were looking.

“So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness! Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” So they said to one another, “Let us select a leader and return to Egypt.”

Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.

But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” (Numbers 14,1-9 NKJV)

“Then the Lord said to Moses: “How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them?” (Numbers 14,11 NKJV)

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5,7 NKJV

The Christian life is a life of faith. From the beginning to the end.

And the genuineness of our faith is tested by challenges and trials. Overcoming them makes our faith stronger. Our faith muscle is strengthened each time we exercise it. And the more we do it, the higher we go in the things of God. Our ability to live above the elements and systems of the world is increased.

Because, the life of a believer is defined by the Word of God. Their life is no longer subject to what is called natural or human. They have access to the supernatural and the miraculous. It becomes, therefore, their responsibility to uphold the truth of God over everything else in their lives, no matter the circumstance. That is holding on to faith.

Beloved child of God, faith is a lifestyle.

Make it a point to agree with God and to trust in Him, He is faithful and true.

Furthermore, He has given you His Spirit as the seal of your redemption.

“and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.” (2 Corinthians 1,22 NLT)

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11,6 NIV