For the next 40 days we’re going to go on a journey with Israel. They were led by God to a promised land, one which flowed with milk and honey. But the journey to that land of abundance took them through a wilderness. The path through the dry, desolate, desert was no accident – it was by design. God would use the difficult journey through the wilderness to test Israel’s obedience, to strengthen their faith, to see what was truly in their hearts (Deut. 8:1-2). The journey that should have taken a few weeks lasted 40 years. Their failure to trust and obey God cost them greatly.
 
The path to a stronger faith, a deeper trust, and a richer commitment to God is not found on the smooth, easy ways of life. Rather it’s a path that leads us through the wilderness. It’s a place where faith is not given, it’s proven. The various trials we face on this journey have the ability to shape, mold, and perfect us (Jas. 1:2-4). But, just like Israel, that’s up to us. Will we trust in the Lord to see us through our trials, or will we rebel and go our own way?
 
We encourage you to join us as we read, reflect and pray through Numbers and Deuteronomy these next 40 days. May these words from the past help encourage our faithful commitment to God.

This chapter reminds us why this book is called “Numbers.” What an opening! Lots of names and numbers are given as the census of God’s people is recorded. The question is – why? Why count the people? Why would that matter? Remember this – God knows everything. If God knows the number of hairs on my head (Luke 12:7), don’t you think He already knew the number of men able to go to war in Israel? See, it wasn’t for God, it was for them. God was reminding them to literally “count their blessings.” When they came to Egypt there were 70 total. Now there’s 603,550 (just men ages 20 and up)! God had been good to His people. He gave them children. He gave them grandchildren. He blessed them with families, with growth and protection. It was a visual reminder of His loving-kindness.

Why not count your blessings today? Take a census of the good things God has given to you. How easy it is to forget all the great blessings God has given to us. Take time today to number your blessings, and return thanks and praise to the Giver of good.

“Wonderful God, when I consider the works of Your hands, when I stop to count the incredible blessings I have in my life – my family, my brethren, all I have, where I am by your grace, and where I hope to be by Your strength – I can’t help but think, “Who am I to receive such blessings.” Thank you for thinking of me. Thank you for blessing me. Thank you for all Your gifts, great and small. You fill my heart with joy – I know I can trust in You to provide.”