Do you really believe in the promises of God?

“No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it.” Numbers 14:24

God made a promise! He avowed to give the Israelites Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey.

God kept His promise!

The Israelites rebelled against God, treated Him with contempt, tested Him ten times in the wilderness and failed to listen to His voice.

The definition of contempt is a feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn. This what caused the downfall of the Israelites.

God told Moses to send twelve men, one from each tribe, along with Joshua and Caleb to spy out the Promised Land. They returned to report the land is abundant with fruit and is very fertile. They also described the strength of the enemy tribes and were terrified with fear. They said we can never conquer these giant men.

All of the Israelites complained bitterly and wanted to chose a new leader to help them to return to Egypt.

The twelve spies were afflicted by God with a plague and died.

Every Israelite over twenty years of age died in the wilderness.

God imposed a sentence of 40 years to wander in the wilderness due to their contempt.

There was a splinter group of Israelites who recognized their sin and decided to go up to the mountain of the enemy tribe. Moses warned against this action. Moses and the Ark of the Covenant stayed in the camp. All of the Israelites were defeated and most died.

At times, we all have feelings of anger and discontent with our circumstances. We tend to blame God for His lack of action.

There is a big difference between your human feelings and taking action to turn away from God. You cross the line when you choose to defy God and make decisions to live on your own. This is an attitude of contempt about God.

The point is God keeps His promises. It may take many years, lots of disappointment, and long suffering.

Keep uppermost in your heart and mind God is faithful to His Word. The promises God has personally made to you will come true in His perfect timing.

This attitude of faith will stir the heart of God; “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”