11 in 40

 

“You can plan a perfect picnic but you can’t predict the weather.” This quote alone sums up my entire 2015 experience. I’ve learned that no matter how strategic I proclaim myself to be, I am not in control. This life of strategy and tactics reminds me of a friendly game of chess where “friendly” is used loosely, where short-term calculated sequences result in some type of gain; and since you can’t calculate an entire game from beginning to end, we must constantly evaluate our position; while utilizing the pieces or resources in order to reach a check mate. However, though this concept is widely accepted by any and every motivational mogul, there’s one who has the last say. One who can turn the heart of a king whithersoever he will, and if we willingly surrender, we will win. Unlike speed chess, which reflects the very essence of our society, God Almighty isn’t on a time frame nor is he subject to. This actually leads me to the premise of this article: What does “11 in 40” actually mean?

 Well, even though it was only an 11 day journey from the historic Mt. Sinai to Canaan, the land of which the Lord our God had promised the Israelites, we all know that they journeyed through the wilderness for 40 years. Some argue that it took them 40 years to accomplish an 11 day journey solely because of their perpetual disobedience; however, I’d beg to differ. First and foremost, I do believe resisting the will of the Lord can not only prolong that in which he desires to accomplish in your life, but also like my mother said, “A hard head will make a soft behind.” In other words, be prepared for the whipping that we tend to bring upon ourselves. Remember the story of Jonah? A Hebrew man, whom God had instructed to go to Nineveh, to rebuke them for the Lord our God was displeased with their behavior? What did Jonah do? He fled the presence of the Lord; caused others to suffer due to his disobedience; he was swallowed by a whale; and once he repented, God gave him the same instruction: Go to Nineveh…

 Therefore, I do believe the sins of the Israelites in the wilderness caused some delay reaching the promise land. No doubt about it. However, what seems logical to us isn’t always the case with the Father. I mean, it took 40 days and 40 nights for Moses to receive the law in its entirety. In the 8^th chapter of Deuteronomy, God stated that he led them through the wilderness to humble them, so that the depths of their hearts would be proven to them; whether or not they would keep his commandments. Honestly, I believe that the 40 year journey was necessary. Heck, the endless supply of principles that can be extracted from the journey are all the more relevant for today’s world, and whether or not we acknowledge it, they’re still being applied as we speak: the good and the bad.

 Again, this year has taught me that I am limited in the things that I have control over. The second job that I should’ve had 6 months ago? The degree you should’ve had 2 years ago? 40 years to reach an 11 day journey? The career; the family; the fico score, and of course the savings that you should’ve had by now, will come at the appointed time. I’ve also learned that certain opportunities won’t even present themselves until we cross necessary bridges. Abraham Lincoln said it like this “I may walk slow, but I never walk backwards.” In addition, my bible says: All things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28 KJV). Your purpose is his purpose. Your life is not your own. Let God use you today. Love and Blessings in Jesus name.