Why did God keep the israelites in the wilderness for 40 years?
>> to prepare them.
Exodus 13:17--When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt."

>> to test them.
Deuteronomy 8:2--…God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.


What to do While Waiting

1. Don't fear.
Deuteronomy 1:26,28(GN)--…they would not enter the land. They said…“We are afraid…the people there are stronger and taller than we are…”

Problems with Fear
>> It keeps you in the wilderness.
>> It prolongs the delay.

Isaiah 41:10(LB)--Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you and I will help you…and uphold you…


2. Don't fret.
Numbers 21:4,5(GN)--On the way the people lost their patience and they spoke against God and Moses. They complained…

Proverbs 19:2(GN)--Impatience will get you into trouble.

Psalm 37:7,8(LB)--Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for Him to act…Don’t fret and worry—it only leads to harm.

Ecclesiastes 3:11(GN)--God has set the right time for everything. 


3. Don't faint.
Numbers 14:2-4--All the Israelites grumbled against Moses… “If only we had died in Egypt!…We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”

Galatians 6:9(Mof)--Let us never grow tired of doing what’s right, for if we do not faint, we’ll reap a harvest at the right time.

Luke 18:1--...always pray and not give up. (JB)…you need to pray continually and not lose heart.

Isaiah 40:31(KJV)--"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."



4. Don’t forget.
Psalm 106:7,8,13--When our fathers were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. Yet he saved them for His name's sake to make his mighty power known. But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his counsel.

Psalm 103:2--Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

2 Peter 3:8,9--But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Habakkuk 2:3[LB]--These things won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!

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