Deuteronomy Chp 2
Here I see God laying out his plan for the Israelites, and working with Moses to ensure that the Israelites stay on task. Moses reminds the Israelites as they passed through Seir and Ar, not to provoke the descendants of Esau nor the Moabites or Ammonites.
9 Then the LORD said to me, "Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any part of their land. I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as a possession." (verse 9)
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19 When you come to the Ammonites, do not harass them or provoke them to war, for I will not give you possession of any land belonging to the Ammonites. I have given it as a possession to the descendants of Lot." (verse 19)
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37 But in accordance with the command of the LORD our God, you did not encroach on any of the land of the Ammonites, neither the land along the course of the Jabbok nor that around the towns in the hills. (verse 37)
God knows that we can be tempted and sidetracked by many things, pride, envy, laziness, selfishness, etc. He has a plan for us and He wants us to stay "on task" focused on the prize. This reminds me of Paul's words:
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12: 1-3)
My Prayer: Lord, you have blessed me beyond what I deserve. Your guidance and love for me has resulted in transformation in my life - blessing beyond imagination. Thank you for your guidance and for helping me perservere. Forgive me when I lack patience and when I neglect you. Help me be prayerful and help me develop an ongoing and rich dialogue of prayer with you.
