How Do You Eat A Whale?

Sometimes the cloud stayed only overnight and lifted the next morning. But day or night, when the cloud lifted, the people broke camp and moved on. Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on.

Numbers 9:21-22

I have a rather odd confession to make...I LOVE Shark Week.  In fact, I'm addicted to it! Why? Because I love learning.  My head is so full of seemingly insignificant information my Bride is amazed I can remember my own name.  Did you know, the shark in this photo is the largest shark in the world?  Her name is Deep Blue! She was photographed dining on a whale carcass near Hawaii. She was taking HUGE chunks of whale of about 400 pounds worth of flesh!

As big and as hungry as Deep Blue may be, she could not devour the entire whale carcass.  Which reminded me of an old adage: How do you eat a whale? One bite at a time. 

Now, what does that have to do with anything?  Well, look at today's passage.  The Israelites had left Egypt and were following God through the wilderness.  When God stopped, they set up camp. When God moved, they broke camp and moved.  Sometimes they would stay in one place for a year, sometimes just overnight.  Why didn't God just transport the Israelites to the Promised Land? Had He done that, would they have been grateful?  Would their faith have been strong?  Would they be appreciative of God and His provisions?  Probably not.

Now think about your own journey. If God merely popped you into the place He had planned for you right off the bat...Would you appreciate it? Would you be ready for it? Would you be prepared for it?  Probably not.  Our lives are difficult. Our journeys will be challenging. We will face sorrows. We will face tough decisions.  We will face problems.  Our faith will be tested. Bur remember, God is growing us! "A diamond cannot be made without pressure, nor man perfected without trials."

Ponder that for a moment.