In the past, i've mentioned my personal opinion on how the Israelites were "idiots". (hear me out now...) I had mentioned that how they had God with them, they had prophets, they literally saw miracles, and yet their faith in Him swayed like a sound wave! (up & then down)

I've also written about how God had freed them from slavery in Egypt, and as they escaping, they were crying out in fear because Egypt was on their trail. That sense of fear is understandable - when we begin to feel evil around us. But that fear should send us to our knees and call out to God, and not doubt Him.

But they did doubt God when they were camped by the sea near Pi Hahiroth:

Talk about crippled faith. They would rather enjoy the "security" of slavery than the freedom of God! Their doubt seems inexcusable a they were witnesses to God's plagues. How quickly they forget whom they serve?

And that's why I feel, as much of an "idiot" as the Israelites were, I'm an even bigger idiot at times.

To have a solid walk with God, you need 3 things:

A serious walk with God starts with knowing about God. We didn't just decide to "get baptized" - We needed to start in a study. We needed to become familiar with God, His love for us, and how He communicates to us. It's through the scriptures where we ween off from milk, and onto solid food. This means that disciples need to scour through the Bible on a regular basis,with fervent intensity. We're not looking for the latest sports info - We're trying to fill our hearts & mind with God's Word to not only draw close to & love Him, but to also prepare ourselves because we do have an enemy! The devil never takes a break, and we shouldn't either.

All of my life, no matter if I was affiliated with church or not, I knew that God was there. I knew that "I am where I am today because of God". I never finished college, and yet I have a cushy job where I work from home, granting me ample opportunity to take care of my family in ways that most don't have. If I've ever shared my "joining the church" testimony, it would follow with #ThatsAllGod. God has had my back since before I could remember - this i do believe wholeheartedly - and this is what makes up "God experience". You can't argue with history! He has never let me down - "YES!!" He never gave me the millions, or the girl, or the car, or the home on the water... because He knew that those things (or people) would draw me away from Him, and not closer to Him. And as a father, I can understand that. Do you think for a second that I would give my son, Jaden, a gift that would draw him closer to his step-father, but also away from me? (don't get me wrong, his step-dad isn't a bad guy).

This is faith, plain & simple. And this is my weakest part. I've spoken about this in a previous post:

My God Knowledge has been strong (my quiet times have been 'on point', where i've missed a day or two in the past 2mths). This allows me to have God close to my heart, preparing me to combat the devil's attacks while being refreshed, but also causing me to see God's miracles around me more easily, thereby helping me to appreciate God more often! (it's an upward spiral!). All of this increases my God experience. I can see, on a minute scale, how God is working and protecting me & my family. It inspires me to pray more often, to not only offer gratitude but to also pray for assistance, and not only for myself, but with others. (it's like spiritual steroids!)

But what's hilarious is that... You'd think that God confidence would come easier if God knowledge and God experience were this strong, huh? Sadly, nope, not for me.

Back to the example of our & the Israelites struggle - Is God's arm too short that He cannot deliver us from evil? Our studies show us that He is able & has delivered His people from temptation, affliction and even annihilation. God's track record in our own lives has proven that He's protecting us, but also changing us to become better than we could possibly imagine. But why do we fear & dread when the dark times surface over the horizon? Why do we feel, in one way or another, that life was better before God "got involved"?

For the next couple of days, I want to study out how God fights for us and why we need not worry (I want to say "at all" but i'd be happy with "not as much"). The scriptures say that the fight is His, but how do we let that happen? Better yet, how do we do that and not be discouraged?!? (I feel like when I leave it with Him, I'm pouting through every second)