Are we hurting God?

The Israelites had seen God do miraculous things. He brought them out of bondage, opened up a sea to walk across, sustained then in the wilderness, and time and time again had shown them how faithful he was.

So you would think that when the time came for Him to lead them into the promised land, the land of their dreams, the land of more-than-enough, where struggling was no longer required, that they would boldly go forth boldly knowing that God was on their side.

Yet once again they did not trust God.

They sent out 12 scouts to see who they would have to fight to take over the land, and only 2 came back with a positive report. So the people grumbled and complained (yet again) and…..

“GOD said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me like dirt? How long refuse to trust me? And with all these signs I’ve done among them! I’ve had enough” (Numbers 14:11–12, The Message).

This absolutely breaks my heart. Time and time and time again, God showed his care and compassion for the Israelite’s. And time and again they questioned and let Him down.

God wanted to do great things through them! He wanted to give them the easy life as they fellowshipped with him.

But they didn’t trust him. They yet again took their eyes off God.

As a result they not only kept themselves from reaching their promised time (see Numbers 14:29-30) but they, I believe, did something far more horrible…

They hurt God.

God loved them so very much, and was eager to do great things in and for them, but they didn’t love Him enough to keep their eyes on Him.

It pains me to realize all of the times when I have focused on myself instead of God.

It pains me to know that I have hurt to one who loves me so.

God so passionately wants to do things in and through us. He wants us to be so fixed on His face that we do not worry about what is going on around us.

He wants to lead us, because He loves us.