Today is the 11th day of Lent.
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, chapter 21.
 

They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”

Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.


Have you ever wanted something so bad only to finally get it and be disappointed by it? Maybe that thing that you wanted so badly even became a source of pain for you? So much so that you would do anything to get rid of it, or to wind the clock back and do it over? I wonder if that’s what the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites was like. “God, if this is what you meant by the promised land, then take me back to Egypt!”

Think back to a time when God began something new in your life. Maybe it was when you first trusted on Christ for salvation. Or perhaps a moment when you felt like you heard him calling you to something much bigger than yourself. Or maybe God you heard God speak an unspeakable promise to your heart. Have you seen the fulfillment of that work? Or is it a work in progress? Or have you given up hope? Maybe you’re even disappointed at God about it. As you hear the passage again, bring that thing to Him in prayer.

Just because you aren’t yet in the promised land doesn’t mean that God isn’t faithfully working out his good plans and purpose for your life. As we close our time in prayer, ask God to increase your faith that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Patient Work - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)