God Brings Us Into Blessing

I’m not sure how often people still use the phrase, but many years ago, I used to hear people talking about being stuck in a rut. Some circumstance was keeping them from moving forward. Often a struggle in relationships, finances, the workplace, politics, community, and others create ruts that keep us spinning our wheels but making no progress. I remember someone once said that worry is like a rocking chair. You can rock all day and never get anywhere. I wonder if you are stuck in a rut. Has God led you to a struggle and even walked you through the struggle, yet mentally and emotionally you just can’t move on?

Wilderness Israel never made it to the blessing, and Promised Land Israel had a choice to make. They made the right choice and followed God into the midst of the struggle, finally making it all the way through to the blessing. Take some time and read ahead. Joshua 4 and 5 give us insight into what happened once Israel entered the blessing. Make some notes about what you find.

As you read Joshua 4 specifically, you likely noticed God’s direction about the 12 stones. What did He tell each representative to do and why? 

As you read further, notice the reason for the memorial stones. One day children and grandchildren would ask about those stones. What message did God want the Israelites to pass on?

What message are you passing on? When someone asks how you are doing, can you speak to the moment or do you have to remind them of everything that has gone wrong over the last year? When your children or grandchildren ask you in a few years the question from that history assignment the teacher will surely give, what will you say? What question you may ask? How about this one. “If you know someone who was alive during 2020, interview that person and ask them what it was like?” I remember asking my grandfather that question in response to a history lesson on WWII. The details of his answer aren’t important here, but the details of your answer do matter. What will you tell those who come behind you about the power of God in 2020? In 2000? In 1980? Spend some time reflecting on and recording the blessing. Leave out any over emphasis on the struggle. How quickly are you able to speak to God’s work in your life?