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From Eternity Past
now see the fatal mistake of their fathers in distrusting the power of
God. This had prevented them from at once entering the goodly land.
God had promised His people that if they would obey His voice
He would go before them and fight for them. He would drive out the
inhabitants of the land. But now Israel must advance against alert
and powerful foes and contend with well-trained armies that had been
preparing to resist.
Their fathers had signally failed. But the trial was now more severe
than when God had commanded Israel to go forward. The difficulties
had greatly increased since they refused to advance when bidden 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 trial 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 barred by obstacles,
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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 vanish as you move forward in the path
of obedience, humbly trusting in God.
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