Today’s devotion comes from Deuteronomy 2:1-7.
“Then we turned and set out for the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea, as the Lord spoke to me, and circled Mount Seir for many days. And the Lord spoke to me, saying, ‘You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north, and command the people, saying, “You will pass through the territory of your brothers the sons of Esau who live in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. So be very careful; do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, even as little as a footstep because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession. You shall buy food from them with money so that you may eat, and you shall also purchase water from them with money so that you may drink. For the Lord your God has blessed you in all that you have done; He has known your wanderings through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have not lacked a thing.”’ Deuteronomy 2:1-7.
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We may be in a wilderness of financial troubles, or we may be in a wilderness of health problems. We may be in a wilderness of little comfort and support from family and friends. But, we should not be jealous of others who do not have such problems. Rather, we should trust the Lord.
The Lord your God has blessed you in all that you have done. The Lord has known your wanderings through this great wilderness. The Lord your God has been with you. You have not lacked a thing.
God’s grace is sufficient for us. Sometimes, God’s grace contains tangible personal property. Sometimes, God’s grace contains intangible spiritual encouragement. But, whatever it contains, God’s grace is sufficient for us. “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
Israel’s “job” was to circle Mount Seir for many days. Our job may similarly be to circle around in the wilderness for a long time. We tend to think that our actions are only blessed if they are productive according to man’s standards. But, our actions are blessed if they produce faith in God according to His standards. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6.
“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:6-9.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 