Moving

During the second year, in the second month, the cloud was lifted up above the tabernacle of the testimony. The Israelites travelled on from the Wilderness of Sinai, moving from one place to the next until the cloud stopped in the Wilderness of Paran. They set out for the first time according to the lord's command through Moses.

The military divisions of the camp of Judah with their banners set out first, and Nahshon son of Ammindab was over Judah's divisions.

They set out from the mountain of the Lord on a three day journey with the ark of the Lord's covenant travelling ahead of them for those three days to seek a resting place for them. Meanwhile the cloud of the Lord was over them by day when they set out from camp. Whenever the ark set out, Moses would say:

"Arise Lord! Let Your enemies be scattered, and those who hate You flee from Your presence."

When it came to rest, he would say: "Return, Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel." Numbers 10:11-14;33-36

 

At Last they were off after spending 11 months in the Sinai wilderness. I am sure the stay in the Sinai wilderness was not a picnic, but a time of training.

 

I wonder if the Israelites had imagined they would be spending all this time in the desert when God had promised to take them to the promised land?

 

Has God given you a vision, a prophesy, a word of encouragement? Did you imagine it would come quickly or that you were ready? I am now suspicious of 'words of encouragement,' I know they come to encourage me because I am about to go through the wilderness. These 'words' hold me through all the grim times.

 

For every vision God gives there is a time of required training and preparation. We might have done the study but our hearts need the discipline that only He can give to be truly ready.

 

The Israelites now had structure, order, discipline, rules of engagement. There could be no doubting what the plan was, it had all been given.

 

Do you imagine that you have all you need because you have a vision? A vision without training and structure will fail. A vision without God at it's core will definitely fail. Wait for Him!