For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.     Ephesians 2:10 HCSB

For many years, I read the Bible without studying it. I would read about those poor Israelites who just couldn’t get it right. God sent Moses to rescue them from slavery and bring them out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Sadly, they didn’t appreciate all God did for them and spent much of their time grumbling and complaining. They had watched God part the Red Sea. They had seen Manna fall from the sky to feed them. They had seen water come from a rock. Still, they failed to trust God.

When the time came to enter the Promised Land, they refused. They simply didn’t trust God to deliver this land over to them from their enemies. They said they would rather die in the wilderness, so God let them have their way. He told them they would wander for another 38 years in the wilderness, where they would die. God couldn’t count on them.

We’ve all helped people only to find that when we are in need, they can’t bother to help us, right? Sadly, we do the same to God. We accept all the goodness He has to offer. We call on Him in times of trouble and expect Him to help us. Unfortunately, we fail to reciprocate. We get too busy with the blessings He provides to study our Bible, pray, and even go to church. We fail to witness to others. I’m not just talking about talking to people and sharing the gospel with them; I’m talking about how we act and speak in front of others. I’m referring to them looking at how we live and wanting the peace and joy we have. Can others see Christ in you?

When I began to study the Israelites and their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, I realized I was just like them. God had been so good to me, and I grumbled and complained. I failed to do the things He had called on me to do. I failed to even live my life in a way that would draw others to Him. God couldn’t count on me.

This didn’t work out so well for the Israelites. It didn’t work for me either. I had to confess my sins to the Lord. I had to repent. I had to ask Him to strengthen me to do what He had called me to do. I had to love Him with all my heart and love others as I loved myself (Matthew 22:37-39). I had to lean on Him and acknowledge Him in all my ways (Proverbs 3:5-6). I had to seek Him first and put Him first in my life (Matthew 6:33).

Please understand, I am not perfect by any means. I know I never will be as long as I live on earth. I am, however, trying my best to stand up and be who God has called me to be. I am trying to be someone God can count on. I am trying to do less grumbling and complaining. I still fail more than I care to admit. I daily ask God for His forgiveness.

We can count on God. We can trust that God works all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Can God count on you? Are you willing to do your best to be all you can be for Him? Are you willing to put Him first in your life and trust Him to work things out for your good? Are you willing to devote your time to Him in a committed relationship?

Jesus said in John 14:2, “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” If you are counting on getting into God’s promised land for us, be sure He can count on you.

Have a great day!