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Conquest of Bashan
273
distrusting the power of God. This had prevented them from entering
the beautiful land at once.
God had promised His people that if they would obey His voice
He would go ahead of them and fight for them. He would drive out
the inhabitants of the land. But now Israel must go forward against
alert and powerful foes and do battle with well-trained armies that
had been preparing to resist.
The earlier generation had failed dramatically. But the test was
more severe now than when God had commanded Israel to go for-
ward. The difficulties had greatly increased since they refused to go
forward when told to do so.
God still tests His people, and if they fail He brings them again
to the same point, and the second time the test will be more severe
than the first.
The mighty God of Israel is our God. In Him we may trust, and
if we obey His requirements He will work for us as He did for His
ancient people. The way will sometimes be so blocked by obstacles,
apparently insurmountable, as to dishearten those who will yield to
discouragement; but God is saying, Go forward. The difficulties that
fill your soul with dread will disappear as you move forward in the
path of obedience, humbly trusting in God.
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