We have a young sapling in our garden that we discovered growing right up against the fence.
We knew it’s potential was to grow into a very large tree, a sweet chestnut, so we moved it out into the middle of the lawn and staked it.
Young saplings need to be staked to give them support and ensure they start growing straight, but in time this stake needs to be removed so that the sapling can be buffeted by the wind.
This buffeting strengthens the tree so it grows strong. I see God working in this same way. Throughout the story of Israel, God was teaching the people of Israel who he was.
By the time Moses brought them out of Egypt they had seen and experienced God in miraculous ways.
Wandering in the desert was a time of testing to which they responded very badly and only two from that generation entered the promised land.
We can see this same principle in our own lives as we walk with God. Times of testing will come and how we grow in God depends on how we respond. Trust is key. The Israelites didn’t trust God (or Moses).
They forgot what He had already done for them. They moaned and complained, and didn’t enter the promised land where they would have enjoyed peace and plenty.
I see this as a lesson to us today.
Trust God in all circumstances and you will experience His peace and even His joy. You will grow stronger in Him, establishing deep roots of faith, so that when the storms come you will not be shaken.
Caroline Dally from Kings Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
