“They know full well the power you displayed in rescuing your people from Egypt. Now if you destroy them, the Egyptians will send a report to the inhabitants of this land, who already heard that you live among your people. They know, Lord, that you have appeared to your people face to face and that your pillar of cloud hovers over them. They know that you go before them in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.”
Numbers 14:13-14
As a child, I often heard a disturbing question that haunted me for many years, “What will people think?” The query was usually attached to some action I was pondering, like in today’s story. When a broken relationship caused God to say He would destroy His people, Moses immediately responded with the same question, “What will the Egyptians think?”
Moses went on to list the events both the Egyptians and the Canaanites already KNEW about…how God’s power, His presence, and His guidance had clearly been seen by everyone around. As I ponder that amazing report of God’s faithfulness, I am reminded of the same unfailing love in my own life. The question then returns to haunt me, but in a good way this time…What do those around me think?
Is the power of God evident in my life? Are people aware that He and I talk on a regular basis? Do they recognize His Presence in me? And IF those around me know full well that God IS in my life, then what do they think about my walk and my talk?
The Israelites earned favor in their world because of WHO traveled with them. That same God travels with me. May HE give me power to live in a way that will make others think…about Him!
