Numbers 21:23-34 (ESV)

Originally published 10/02/2015

The Israelites needed to pass through the land of the Amorites and asked permission. "But Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his territory. He gathered all his people together and went out against Israel to the wilderness and came to Jahaz and fought against Israel. And Israel defeated him with the edge of the sword and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok" Numbers 21:23-24a (ESV).  Israel did everything right. They asked permission to go through Sihon's country and promised to stay on the road, not take any of the crops and not drink any water. Sihon responded by trying to destroy Israel, but God gave them the victory and they had their first place to live since leaving Egypt. There are times when we are living in obedience to God, but everything seems to fall apart. If we continue to obey God, he transforms the disaster into a great blessing. Lord, when things don't go as I expect, today, remind me of this story and how you turn disasters into blessings for those who are faithful to you.

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