Do you ever get tired of waiting for God? Do you pray hoping for an answer right away, but it seems an awful long time coming? Do you need something now, but God needs you to wait?

Sometimes, I believe that God answers our prayers the way we want just to prove a point. That point being that our way isn’t necessarily the best way. Other times, God lets us go ahead on our own, again, to prove the same point. We don’t know best.

Israel tried their way over and over again. I shake my head in wonder at how they could have been so stupid. But then I have to wonder how many times I’ve done the exact same thing.

In Deuteronomy 1:42-46, we get a recap of a select group from the Israelite camp who figured they knew best. Moses had just told them that, because of their disobedience, they would not be allowed to enter the Promised Land. I’d be a little peeved, too, if I were on the doorstep of something great and then was told I wouldn’t be able to take part in it. But these guys were going in. Not even a strong warning from Moses would keep them from their purpose. They marched on in. And they were chased right out.

It wasn’t God’s plan. It wasn’t God’s time.

But then, after nearly 40 years had passed, the time was right. God was giving Moses the final instructions on how everything was to go down. We get a recap of all that had happened since their departure from Egypt. The time to go in and fight would soon be at hand and this time there would be no tail-tucking or running involved.

Do not be afraid of the nations there, for the Lord your God will fight for you.

Deuteronomy 3:22 (NLT)

When the time is right and when the plan is the Lord’s, He goes ahead and sets the battle for us. Notice, though, that just because God was on their side, it didn’t mean that Israel was exempt from fighting. Men were still trained for battle. Blacksmiths still made strong, effective weapons. Armour was worn. Leaders were chosen. Battles were planned. Israel would have to fight for their promise.

God would do His part and deliver on His word, but His people still need to do their part to retrieve it.

Daily Bible reading: Deuteronomy 3-4, Mark 11:20-33