“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow” (James 1:2-3).

The children of Israel were trapped in Egyptian bondage until God’s miraculous deliverance. Once free, He instructed them through Moses to go to the Promised Land called Canaan—a land “flowing of milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8). Canaan was inhabited by the Israelite’s enemies—Amorites, Hittites, Amalekites, Canaanites—yet, that territory was destined by God for Israel. They faced many trials and harsh conditions to get to their destination. At one point, growing so hungry, they lost their vision of fulfilling God’s promise. They longed for the past days of enslavement when they didn’t worry about starvation. God met their needs by sending bread from heaven, called “manna,” both day and night, and quail to eat. Despite God’s repeated mercy and faithfulness to the Israelites, they remained indifferent and disobedient, not believing He would fully take care of them. As a result, they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Though weary, God continued to sustain them, though most who lived through the exodus never experienced the intended promise He had for them.

As Christians, we were trapped in the bondage of sin and were spiritually dead until we were saved through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Like the children of Israel, we experience trials, but the resulting growth and development help us to be more like Jesus as we press forward to our own Promised Land—eternal life in Heaven. The time period between our deliverance and our destiny teaches us how to depend more on God and less on our own resources. Even when problems seem too big, God is always there, showing us the way!

Guiding Points:

Call to Action: How has God sustained you and grown you through rough times on your spiritual journey? Read these scriptures and pray with us.

“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Romans 5:3-4).

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).

Prayer: Father God, Your name is above all others! Thank you for being with us in our times of need. Help us to trust and be humbly obedient to You when we feel most tested. You know we face struggles, both past and present, and are inclined to go our own way. Help us to walk in Your purpose and to live YOUR way. You have the BEST plan for our lives, and we want to follow it. In Your name, we pray, Amen!

Final Thought: Be still. The God of miracles is fighting on your behalf (Exodus 14:14).