The Real Promised Land

Then Moses replied, “If you aren’t going with us, please don’t make us leave this place...”

Exodus 33:15 (CEV)

You’re hanging out with your friends. One of them shows you something on their phone that you know isn’t appropriate. Sure, you’re curious…

But should you look? What would God want you to do?

As you get older, you get to make more decisions, including where to be, what to watch, and who to hang out with. Some of these choices are really difficult to make, and all of your choices matter.

God’s people, the Israelites, also had a choice, but they chose poorly. God had freed them from slavery, and they were headed to a wonderful promised land. But while Moses, their leader, was away, the people had a party and worshipped another god—a golden statue they had made. They betrayed the God who faithfully loved them.

God was angry and told Moses he wouldn’t go with them anymore. But Moses begged God to forgive them. He didn’t want to move forward on their journey without God. For Moses, God’s presence was the real promised land—more important than anything else!

Are there choices you’ve made that seem good, but you know God doesn’t like? Trust the God who faithfully loves you. Choose to stay with him, and he will reward you.

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

All good things come from God. Sometimes things may look good, but if they go against God, they aren’t. Think about it and write some thoughts in a journal or on some paper.

PRAY

Lord, sometimes I want to do things I know are wrong. Help me to choose you.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Please read...

Psalm 89:15

Psalm 139:3–5

Matthew 28:20

2 Thessalonians 1:9