After reading Numbers 26, in my prayer time with God , I couldn’t help but think about the 38 years that the people have wandered in the wilderness. Now they are on the brink of entering into the Promised Land and so a census is ordered by God so that the allotments of inheritance per families can be determined. They have been protected and provided for for all of these 38 long years. Can you imagine living in a wilderness for 38 years without God? Can you provide sunshine, rain, manna from heaven, protection from surrounding nations that are hostile to you? God can. A new generation is about to enter into the new land. Not one of them was among those counted by Moses and Aaron the priest when they counted the Israelites in the Desert of Sinai. For the Lord had told those Israelites they would surely die in the wilderness, and not one of them was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. v. 64-65.

I couldn’t help but think about what the Promised Land means to me today. Isn’t that what we are all promised? Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3. In a very real sense, are we not living in a wilderness now? This is not our true home. Our whole lives are a preparation and through it we are learning through experiences that are foundational and take time. God is the Master Builder and Shepherd and nothing will be left undone. He knows all that is needed. Our lives are like a tapestry that on the reverse side shows random patterns, knots, confusion; but on the top side are rich colors, shapes, gifts, talents, woven skillfully by the Creator of all things.

I realized throughout my life I saw glimpses of God’s hand working in me, but now my heart is open to Him and we work side by side. It is glorious because I am experiencing trust in Him who knows me intimately. Every part of me that to me seems random and chaotic is rendered beautiful by Him. Nothing is left undone. Every part is needed and used.

I have always been safeguarded in the wilderness that is this life. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8.

That’s His promise to you and to me. He is faithful in all He does. Take His hand. He wants to walk beside you. Can you imagine the work in you you will do together? But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. I don’t have words good enough to describe the love of God in my life but with Him working in you, you will find your own symphony with Him and it will be unique and it will be beautiful. Nothing left undone.