“And the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way” (Num. 21:4).
As the children of Israel made their way toward the Promised Land, they became discouraged because they were looking at the way – the natural hardships of their journey.
But just think what they could have focused on instead. God had brought them out of Egypt with signs, wonders, and miracles. When they could go no farther because of the Red Sea, God had worked a miracle, parting the waters so they could cross on dry ground. When the Egyptian army had tried to pursue them, the two walls of water had closed up again and destroyed the Israelites’ enemies.
When the Israelites had come to the waters of Marah, where the water was bitter, God had miraculously purified the waters so the people could have water to drink.
God led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He gave them fresh manna from heaven every night; all they had to do was pick it up. He even gave them water out of a rock. And for the entire forty years that the Israelites wandered through the desert, their shoes and clothes didn’t wear out.
But, despite all of these things, the Israelites became discouraged because they looked at the way. We’ve done the same things at times. “Oh, Lord, things are so hard. The way is so tough. I feel so bad.”
We need to look back in our lives and recognize how God has helped us – how He’s brought us out of trials and delivered us from bondage. Realizing how much God has already done – and how much more He wants to do – for us, is an instant cure for discouragement!
Through the blood of Jesus, my Father has delivered me,
protected me, provided for me and healed me.
Therefore, no matter what I face,
I focus my spiritual eyes on my faithful God.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
For over 40 years, Pastors Mark and Janet Brazee have traveled throughout the world sharing the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Together they've shared the powerful truths of faith and healing in more than 50 nations.
Today Mark and Janet pastor World Outreach Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they base their ongoing outreach to the world. The Brazees still travel as the Lord leads, and they are raising up a congregation who share their passion to reach Tulsa and the world.