Circling Mountains

“And the Lord spoke to me, saying, ‘You have circled this mountain long enough.’” Deuteronomy 2:2-3

The Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness, enough time for a new generation to be born and raised up. Towards the end of their journey, they circled Mount Seir for many days prior to passing through the final lands necessary for them to reach the promise land. A few more roads to travel, a few more battles to fight, but they were almost home. I wonder what thoughts went through their heads as they were circling that mountain, over and over again. Was it safer to stay where they were, instead of moving ahead? Is that why God specifically spoke to Moses, telling him it was time to move on?

My own life seems to parallel the Israelites more often than I care to admit. I forget what God has done, get caught up in my own selfish ways which lead to unpleasant consequences, which cause me to remember God and cry out to Him once more. I too spend time circling the mountains in my own life instead of moving forward.

Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:14 that as we become mature in Christ, “we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind…” He speaks of being led astray by various doctrines, trickery, and deceit of men. For me, this verse speaks loudly that once God has told us to move, we need to move instead of making excuses or changing our minds back and forth.

What mountains are in your life today? What is God telling you to do about the mountain? If you are circling, when God is telling you to move… MOVE! As with the Israelites, “He has known your wanderings… the Lord your God has been with you…” (Deuteronomy 2:7).