I see myself, often like Israel, who set out
Rich and confident in the Mighty God
Escorted by awesome signs and wonders
Whose memory ebbed with shrinking
Courage, now trampling round same
Mountain – a wanderer, wondering why
I am grass hopping amidst giants, why
The Promised Land, a stone throw away
Now appears nowhere in sight?
How did chosen Israel miss their timing?
How did the preferred lose the promise?
How did those led by signs and followed
By wonders become wanderers?
Answers appear each time I lose focus
Miss my way and become a wanderer.

Food For Thought: Living our faith can be very exciting when God’s beautiful promises wash over us; washing away carried over regrets from past, our fears for the present and uncertainties of the future, assuring us that no matter what, we are more than conquerors and every seeming loss is working together for greater gains. Charged up, we are encouraged to march forward, to press on against all odds; marching with clear direction, pressing toward the goal. Then we see enemies and lose focus because fright paints them as giants, and us as grass hoppers before formidable forces. It is okay to be afraid but it is not okay to follow the dictates of our fears. Following our fears, we lose sight of God who led us out in the first place, who owns the land and has given it to us, who knows the way and is able to lead us, who alone is stronger than all and is ever present to fight for us. When we focus on the opposition and the odds against us, we lose sight of the Almighty who is for us. Then we shrink in fear and shirk, and miss the promise. Every time we choose fear over faith, we make God a liar. Like faith, fear is a choice. There will always be forces standing against us and our life goals; forces greater than us. And there will always be God who is not only able but also willing to lead us, to help us, to fight with us and for us and through us, until we enter in to possess and enjoy the inheritance of our Father. With eyes on God, may we choose well so we don’t lose focus and miss our timing and way, amen.

Scripture: For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. Hebrews 4: 2.

Prayer: Dear Lord, on my own, I miss the mark and get lost, please guard my heart and guide my feet, amen.