Found WaitingSample

DENIED -

Picture this: The LORD had led him up a mountain with a clear view to the Land that was promised his forefathers. Forty years of leading a stubborn-necked people had not abated his strength nor caused the glimmer of his eyes to fade. If only he had not disobeyed God that day at Meribah Kadesh in the Wilderness. If only he had hallowed the LORD. He would be like the flock he led all the way up to the Jordan river waiting in anticipation to inherit the promise. The LORD had instructed him to die on this very mountain and be gathered to his people. Although he was saddened by the missed opportunity to honor God, he looked down below at the cities; their great gates and walls; the inhabitants blissfully unaware of the siege that was about to take place in favor of Israel. He wondered if these cities failed in comparison to the place the LORD would take him in a few minutes. He wondered about the real city gates, the pearly ones and the streets of gold the LORD had spoken to him about in the tent when they had met face to face as friends. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. And by faith he would be reunited with Him.

Write down your thoughts as you contemplate these points:

• How do you respond when God says “no” to something you deeply desire, as He did with Moses?
• In what ways does God’s presence and provision—like showing Moses the land and burying him Himself—encourage you when your plans don’t happen as expected?