Good morning! It’s Wednesday, March 5th, and tonight is Worship Wednesday at New Hope West. I hope you can join us for a powerful evening of prayer and worship. There’s something about gathering together to focus our hearts on Him that brings renewal and strength for the week ahead. Don’t miss this opportunity to be refreshed in His presence!
Have you ever found yourself on the edge of something big, only to hesitate instead of stepping forward? Maybe you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time,” only to realize the opportunity has passed you by. In today’s reading, we see how the Israelites’ hesitation cost them more than just time—it delayed their destiny…
Today's Reading:
Deuteronomy 1,2; Mark 12
Scripture
“Now it is ordinarily an eleven-day journey from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by way of Mount Seir. However, it was not until the first day of the eleventh month of the fortieth year that Moses addressed the Israelites just as the Lord had instructed him to do.” (Deuteronomy 1:2-3 NET)
Observation
God’s promises are yes and amen (2 Cor. 1:20), yet disobedience can delay them—not just for a season, but for an entire generation. The Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land should have taken only eleven days. Just eleven days! But instead, they wandered for forty years. Why? Not because the land wasn’t ready for them, but because they weren’t ready for it.
- Fear made them forget God’s faithfulness. They had seen Him part the Red Sea, rain down manna, and lead them by fire and cloud. Yet when it was time to step into the land, they froze.
- Unbelief distorted their vision. Instead of seeing the land as God’s provision, they saw the giants. Instead of seeing victory, they saw obstacles.
- Disobedience delayed their destiny. Their hesitation didn’t just cost them time—it cost them the opportunity to see God’s promises fulfilled in their lifetime.
Application
I remember when I had a gym membership—key word: had. I signed up with every intention of getting in shape. For the first few weeks, I was all in—lifting weights, hitting the treadmill, feeling like a pro. But then… life happened.
"I’ll go tomorrow."
"Next week, for sure."
Before I knew it, I was still faithfully paying for the membership, but my only real workout was lifting a fork. The worst part? By the time I finally thought about going back, the gym had permanently closed. I had postponed it for so long that the opportunity was gone.
I missed the promise of better health—not because the opportunity wasn’t there, but because I didn’t follow through.
Just like the Israelites, how many times has God given me an opportunity, but I’ve hesitated? How many times have I postponed His promises because of fear, doubt, or excuses?
- Fear always exaggerates my obstacles and underestimates God’s power.
- Delayed obedience is still disobedience. Waiting for the “perfect time” can turn into a lifetime of wasted wondering and wandering.
- Sometimes I ask God for a new direction, but He’s still waiting for me to follow the last one He gave me.
The Israelites wandered in circles until God finally said, “Enough! You’ve stayed on this mountain long enough—move forward.” (Deut. 1:6)
Maybe that’s the word I need to hear today. Maybe it’s time to stop waiting, wondering, and wandering—and start walking.
Prayer
Lord, I don’t want to postpone Your promises because of fear, doubt, or hesitation. Too often, I find myself waiting—waiting for the perfect moment, waiting until I feel ready, waiting for a sign—when all along, You’ve already called me to move forward.
Show me where I’ve been walking in circles, stuck in patterns of hesitation instead of stepping into the plans You have for me. Remind me of Your past faithfulness so I trust You more than my fears. Strengthen my heart, steady my steps, and give me the courage to walk boldly in obedience today.
Amen.