“It is an eleven-day journey from Horeb to Kadesh-barnea by way of Mount Seir. In the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first of the month, Moses told the Israelites everything the Lord had commanded him to say to them.” (vv. 2-3)

It’s hard for us to hear.

(Mostly because we are culturally trained to duck guilt.)

But there’s a reasonable, biblical explanation for some of the long seasons you’ve spent wandering, frustrated and stuck.

Disobedience.

An unwillingness to go where God leads as God leads.

Rebellion.

Sin.

It should have taken Israel eleven days to get from God’s mountain to the Promised Land. God led their steps the whole way. He brought them to the doorstep, open the door, and impelled them to go.

But they didn’t. They distrusted and disobeyed, as if the God who loved and led them had lost His mind. They were called to faithful obedience—one last step on a short journey—but they chose self and comfort and disobedience instead.

So began their long wander.

It’s like this in our hearts, too, when we reject Him and His way. He leads and loves still—but we lose sight of our purpose and His provision when we refuse His plan. A straight line turns into a long wander, when we don’t follow faithfully.

Examine the places where rebellion produces resistance in you—and turn to follow Him again.

— Tyler