Connect Numbers 21:15 to other biblical instances of God leading through difficult paths. Setting the Scene in Numbers 21:15 - “and the slope of the ravines that reaches the site of Ar and lies along the border of Moab.” (Numbers 21:15) - Israel is nearing the Promised Land, yet the route God gives skirts razor-edged ravines along Moab’s border—no smooth highway, but a twisting, hazardous track. - Even here, Scripture records the course in precise, geographical language, underscoring that God’s guidance is literal, specific, and intentional. Other Times God Led His People on Difficult Paths • Exodus 13:17-18 – “God did not lead them along the road through the land of the Philistines, though it was shorter… so God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea.” – A longer, barren wilderness instead of the quick coastal route—yet that detour avoided immediate war and showcased the Red Sea miracle. • Deuteronomy 8:2 – “Remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness in order to humble and test you, to know what was in your heart.” – The forty-year trek was God’s classroom; every dry mile had a purpose. • Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” – Valleys exist, but so does the Shepherd’s accompanying presence. • Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.” – God promises company and protection, not absence of danger. • 1 Kings 17:3-4 – Elijah is told, “Hide yourself by the Brook of Cherith… I have commanded the ravens to provide for you there.” – A secluded ravine becomes God’s dining hall and safety net. • Matthew 4:1 – “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” – Even the sinless Son took the hard trail first, showing the path of obedience often winds through testing. • Acts 16:6-7 – “The Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia… they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them.” – Closed doors and detours positioned Paul exactly where Lydia and the Philippian jailer would hear the gospel. Why the Hard Roads? - Refinement: Difficult terrain exposes motives (Deuteronomy 8:2) and produces maturity (James 1:2-4). - Revelation: Steep slopes showcase God’s power—water from rocks, manna from heaven, seas that part. - Redirection: What looks like delay may be divine positioning for greater influence (Acts 16:9-10). - Reliance: Ravines keep hearts leaning on the Shepherd rather than on self-sufficiency (2 Corinthians 1:8-9). Promises to Carry on the Journey • Presence – “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) • Provision – “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) • Purpose – “All things work together for good to those who love God.” (Romans 8:28) • Preservation – “The LORD will guard your coming and going, both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:8) Living It Out Today - When the Lord’s route winds through ravines—health crises, job loss, relational heartbreak—remember Numbers 21:15: the path’s contours are no accident. - Trace His prior faithfulness in Scripture; let it steady present steps. - Expect God to reveal Himself in new ways amid the rough ground, and watch the difficult road become a testimony of His wise, unfailing leadership. |
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