waterworld

i've just passed day 35 in my journey through the desert with the israelites. there is so much miracle-working in this desert walk, that it is fast becoming my favorite story in the Bible (at least until i read my next favorite story). as i've been touring about with joshua before he takes the last big march into the land of promise, i've been struck with the physical position of the trial. the isrealites are hemmed in on both sides by water. at one point they're begging to go back to egypt--did they forget the red sea? at another point they're begging to go forward (after realizing they missed their opportunity because of unbelief)--did they forget the jordan? there is no way out of their predicatment except by the miracle working hand of GOD. it would even take a miracle to backslide. so i'm in the midst of this checking over my shoulder at the leeks and onions of six months ago--seems awfully safe. and then, woa! oh yes, the red sea! totally forgot about that. i can't go back without a miracle. but then i look ahead to the milk and honey (or silk and honey for us lactose intolerant in the tribe), and hey that looks even better! and then i hear the rushing jordan in my ears. i can't go forward without a miracle. this all makes me think of a verse in psalm 119: "barricade the road that goes nowhere; grace me with your clear revelation. i choose the true road to somewhere, i post your road signs at every curve and corner." the road to nowhere? doubt (egypt). the road to somewhere? faith (silk and honey land). the road signs? ebenezer (help stones). so which miracle am i picking? i'm going with the one that has yet to happen. the one in front of me.

on to day 36.