Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years. Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, And they have not known My ways.’ So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ”
Hebrews 3:8‭-‬11 NKJV

Do not rebel! Obey, do not be deceived and have faith in the Lord. For those who have not will not be with Him.

It was this time that Moses have lead the slaves of Egypt to the promise land and had God provide them with what they need in the wilderness. But the people were not convinced and they chose not to believe in God. They were so fond of making idols and complaining. They don't have the trust and dependence in God that they were set free and given a greater future ahead of them. They even said that they were better of in Egypt and be kept slaves. For 40 years, God was with them but they were rebellious towards Him.

Sometimes God sets us free from the slavery of sin but we experience suffering and hardships. God gives us His promises but along with that were challenges and tests of faith and of obedience. We may tend to neglect Him and feel that it is better when we still commit sins because it gives us pleasure and comfort. And that we are so used to it we enjoy it and consider it fun. But at the end of the day we feel discontent and we want more. Oftentimes, we find ourselves hurt, crying or even dying inside. Come to think of it, God doesn't want us to experience all those pain that is why He wants to save us. And when He does, He wants us to be faithful and believe in His promises. What is difficult for us is to resist our oldself, the wants of our flesh - desires to have fun, enjoy and temporal happiness. But what can be more difficult? To resist it or to be in pain - to the extent of dying forever? Why not take the challenge to resist and be with God forever?

We have the freedom to choose. I should choose to be with God because I know in Him my happiness is not temporal, my heart will never feel pain, I would not have to cry because of sadness but only of joy and so much more that I could not imagine. For this is His promise, an everlasting life with Him.

Lord, thank you for your presence that I get to experience the joy your love brings. Thank you so much from saving me from the slavery of sin. Although I have a lot of shortcomings and committed sins, surely I will repent and spend my days on earth to live for your glory. I will obey you to the best that I can and serve you for the mission you have assigned to me. My life had never been the same since that day you saved me. I pray that you continue to hold me for all those times I might go astray and remind me of your love so that I may resist. Protect me Lord from the enemy that may attack me while I'm at the wilderness. And bless the people around me that they may experience your salvation and see what you have shown me. I praise you and glorify you, in Jesus' name. Amen.