One reason

CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY

Maybe the book of Deuteronomy is one of your favorite books in the Bible — or maybe not — but I really do love this book. I have it marked with notes and highlights throughout.

Today, I’m reflecting on chapter eight, verses two through 11, parts of which encourage me, which prompted me to share with you.

This is part of a long passage where Moses speaks what he knew God wanted the people to hear. It is a long passage that includes cautions, teachings, guidance and commands.

If you’d like to read the whole passage, then begin with chapters five through 26 — quite the long sermon.

Remember all the ways in which the Lord has led you in the wilderness. Have you experienced a period of life that felt like wilderness, when your spirit seemed dry and parched? If you have felt isolated, or wondered where God really was, know this multitude of people felt exactly that way.

I’ve seen that wilderness, and it is not like American deserts. This wilderness is barren, the landscape is rocky and appears parched.

Earlier today, I wondered how these people felt as they faced a future that seemed bleak. It’s no wonder they began to consider going back home, even though that meant slavery. But God led them to this wilderness, and we read that He miraculously fed them daily and provided direction in the unknown terrain.

Bit by bit. Little by little. One step at a time. One day at a time.

What can we learn from this process? Thinking of today, I recall verses that provide Biblical perspective: Jesus is the same. Yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13.8) We are to exhort one another each day, as long as it is called today. (Hebrews 3:13) So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34) Read Matthew 6 and discover how God cares for the wildflowers and birds and has numbered the hairs on your head. He cares for you.

One reason for this experience? Remember.

Beware, lest you forget the Lord your God, his commandments ordinances and statutes.

I pray that you and I will remember and be encouraged.

Until next week, Anita

Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.