difficult by design

And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.

Deuteronomy 8:2

As a generation in Israel stood ready to cross the Jordan, enter the land God had promised them, and undo the forty years of judgement and wandering that had previously defined their lives, Moses reminded them that their difficult past had a definite, divine purpose. God had led them, not abandoned them, in the wilderness. God made that time what it was… a time to mature His people and show His power. He developed trust and obedience as the wilderness generation watched their parents die so that they might gain what the previous generation had rejected.

So what did God do by bringing them through all this difficulty?

• He humbled them. Hunger drove them to cry to God Who gave them manna (Deuteronomy 8:3). Their clothing stayed unworn over four decades in the desert (Deuteronomy 8:4).
• He disciplined them. God disciplined His loved children so that they might emerge mature in their faith (Deuteronomy 8:5).
• He tested their obedience. They new generation was ready to keep God’s commands, walk in His ways, and fear Him (Deuteronomy 8:6).

And after this difficulty and discipline came the delight of the new life! A Promised Land was all theirs for the taking. God was bringing them to good land with fountains, lakes, and streams. He was taking them from desert sand to fertile soil. They would grow wheat, barley, vines, figs, pomegranates, olives, and honey. Iron and copper would easily be found in abundance. They would eat and be full (Deuteronomy 8:7-10).

The God of desert discipline is also the God of Promised Land provision. He will bring both trial and treasure, testing and triumph, need and abundance, difficulties and grace to draw us nearer to Him. But it is clear, His good purpose will stand up through every minute of our experience.