My Thoughts: Are you Israel?

When I rededicated my life to God in my mid-twenties, I committed to reading the Bible every year. It was something I had yet to accomplish. I wanted to know everything it said.

Well this year will be my 6th or 7th time reading it. It was while I was reading the journey of the Israelites wandering in the desert that I began to have a light bulb moment.

But first…

Am I the only one who gets extremely frustrated reading about this group of people? God’s people? For He led them day and night. Spoke face-to-face with Moses. Fed His children with manna, quail, and even made rocks provide water. I mean these stories are mind blowing.

And. Every. Single. Time. The Israelites rebel.

“And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.”
-Exodus 32:9-10 KJV

Year after year, I would read their journey and think to myself, I’m glad I’m not one of the Israelites. Many times God let His wrath consume them. Many times, they failed to obey the simplest of rules.

Then I read their story this year, and the veil was lifted from my eyes. I heard the question:

“Are you Israel?”

I gasped!

How many times have I questioned God? There have been times in my life where I’ve been 100% positive that I heard Him direct my path. Yet, while waiting for it to come to fruition, I doubted. I looked around at the clock, at my problem, and questioned His voice.

I finally understood why their journey is in the Bible. It’s not merely history, but a lesson for us all to learn from. To not be like those of His chosen people who failed to take God at His word. Who failed to believe that He was with them and would not forsake them. Who failed to obey His commandments and met His wrath. (Granted, we have forgiveness through His Son, but it does not make the guilt easily assuaged.)

I’ve never been so relieved to finally understand a peace of the history. I need to remind myself, not to doubt my God. What He says He will do, He will do.

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
-Luke 1:37 KJV

I pray as you walk through your faith journey, that You remember the lessons the Israelites taught us as they journeyed to the Promise Land. God is faithful to fulfill His promises. Hold on to the truth and do not let your present circumstances, dissuade you from His truth.

Blessings to you!

4 thoughts on “My Thoughts: Are you Israel?”

This is a great reminder to us all, Toni. Thank you.

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I agree, Sharon. Thanks for stopping by!

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Such a great post, friend!! I recognized quite a few years ago that I’m Israel. Actually, I was just telling my boss a couple of weeks ago how Israel I am. For that reason, I determined to tell my story as often as it naturally would occur in conversation so I could remind myself of where God has brought me from. It’s definitely a good discipline. ❤ But I admit, I still fall into that Israelite mindset too often. *sigh*

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