When the Journey Grows Long

But the people grew impatient with the long journey,

and they began to speak against God and Moses.

Numbers 21:4-5 (NLT)

            What happens when you’re stuck in a rut? When every day resembles the previous one? When variety or spontaneity are merely words in the dictionary? You grow weary. You lose sight of the destination and focus instead on the dreariness of life.

            The Israelites had reached that point. Their progress was agonizingly slow. Every morning they woke up to the same food, the same scenery, the same plodding, the same longing for an end to their tiresome journey. As they plodded, seeds of discontent began to take root and slowly blossomed into resentment; against Moses, against God.

            It’s all too easy to succumb to discouragement when we don’t see any progress. When every day is like the previous one. When typical childhood milestones pass by without any sign of change in our child’s condition. Disappointment sets in, along with frustration and weariness. We’re tempted to focus on the plodding rather than God’s promises.

What we perceive with human eyes should not stop us from finishing the task God has set before us. Plodding is tedious. Trusting is difficult. Remaining hopeful can be challenging. Yet God has promised a reward to those who stay the course and do not give up. He sees the bigger picture and He is hard at work, even in the midst of the deserts of life.

When the journey grows long, don’t grumble or give up. Focus on Jesus, instead. The promised land is waiting up ahead.

Takeaway:  Focus on Jesus instead of the journey

For further reading:

·         Galatians 6:9

·         Romans 12:12

·         James 1:12

·         Psalm 32:8