ENTERING MY PROMISED LAND

How many of us have been so carried away in our anger that we end up doing things that have great consequences and we get affected by these?

Going through life, at one point or the other, there were times when someone or some people have stepped so hard on our toes and caused us so much pain. We’ve had someone or people say bad things about us, tell false stories about us, not appreciate what we have done, shout at us and what have you. On the other hand we may even be the one who has done all these. We’ve carelessly hurt people with our words. We’ve said things that we are not hundred percent sure of about someone and in the process spread falsehood about such a one.

Very many years ago, there was a man who was leading a group of people from their former abode of bondage to their new abode of plenty. They had to go through a lot to get to this new city. During that time, there were no cars or planes, so they had to walk. They travelled days and nights for months and years. God did a lot of things for them along the way but all that was soon forgotten and thrown away. You would expect that the place ahead where everything was available would encourage them to keep going and not to complain at all. This wasn’t the case as when they became thirsty, their attitude changed all together. They became so ungrateful, insensitive, unbelieving and great complainers. They ranted words to their leader and this made him so angry. In the state of his anger, he did what he wasn’t asked to do and that caused him his leadership position and his refusal on entry into the city of plenty. He made just one mistake that caused him all.

There was not enough water for the people at that place. So the people met together to complain against Moses and Aaron. The people argued with Moses and said, “Maybe we should have died in front of the Lord like our brothers did. Why did you bring the Lord’s people into this desert? Do you want us and our animals to die here? Why did you bring us from Egypt? Why did you bring us to this bad place? There is no grain. There are no figs, grapes, or pomegranates, and there is no water to drink.” So Moses and Aaron left the crowd of people and went to the entrance of the Meeting Tent. They bowed down to the ground, and the Glory of the Lord appeared to them. The Lord spoke to Moses and said, “Get the special walking stick. Take your brother Aaron and the crowd of people and go to that rock. Speak to the rock in front of the people. Then water will flow from the rock, and you can give that water to the people and to their animals.” The walking stick was in the Holy Tent, in front of the Lord. Moses took the walking stick as the Lord said. Moses and Aaron told the people to meet together in front of the rock. Then Moses said, “You people are always complaining. Now listen to me. I will cause water to flow from this rock.” Moses lifted his arm and hit the rock twice. Water began flowing from the rock, and the people and their animals drank that water. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “You did not trust me enough to honor me and show the people that I am holy. You did not show the Israelites that the power to make the water came from me. So you will not lead the people into the land that I have given them.” Numbers 20:2-12 (ERV)

There are two things we have to learn from this story to enjoy the beautiful life.

1. When things doesn’t seem to go as it was before or better still, they don’t go your way any more. Be careful with your words, they can put you in a bad position. Think of all the good things that has been and how things had been going your way and let the peace from that flood your hearts and control your thoughts and your mouth as well. Don’t be the reason someone is upset, don’t be the reason someone is unhappy, don’t be the cause of all offences. Remember there is WOE on anyone through whom offences come. Don’t bring a WOE on yourself for unnecessary lack of control of YOUR OWN MOUTH.
2. When you are pushed so hard to the wall, be careful not to make a costly mistake. When you hear about all those bad comments, gossips and what have you, it can be difficult not to be angry and retaliate. Sometimes you have to play the fool’s part to remain on track. This doesn’t mean you are a fool, but it means that you would rather be insulted than make a mistake that cost you all. Your action will cost you something. Let it be a pleasant one.

Moses only had the opportunity of seeing the promise land – Canaan. He never entered there.

Don’t allow anyone deprive you of entering your promised blessings by what they say. I am not promising you a smooth journey, but I am promising you blessings if you remain on track.

God bless you.

©BLArticles 2015