NIV Spiritual Renewal Study Bible PlanSample

Faith to Enter the Promised Land

Detours and delays, often the results of our fears and unfaithfulness, frequently hinder us in our journey toward spiritual growth. Yet God has promised to bring a joyous outcome to our difficult journey — to lead us from the dry, arid wildernesses of our lives into a fruitful promised land. So why do we allow our doubts and insecurities to slow our spiritual progress?

God led the nation of Israel out of bondage in Egypt, through the wilderness, to the edge of the promised land. But as they stood on the border, looking into the fruitful and prosperous land of Canaan, the Israelites lacked the faith and courage to go in and conquer the land. As a result, they wandered for 40 years in the wilderness, and only their descendants (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb) were allowed to enter the promised land. Just before they entered the land, the Lord told them, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Like the Israelites, we have received promises of blessings from the Lord. The Lord revealed his desires for his people when he asserted, “I know the plans I have for you . . . plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). We need to be courageous. We need to believe the promises God has given us. No matter how long we have been lost in the wilderness and no matter how hopeless the future may yet seem, God can transform our years of wandering into a purposeful journey and lead us into the land he has promised us.