We learn from Proverbs 6:16 that God hates pride. Perhaps this is because pride is the root of all other sins. It was the sin that brought down Lucifer. It was the appeal Lucifer used with Eve when he said "You shall be as gods"... that resulted in sin. Pride is a quality or state of being proud, inordinate self-esteem, conceit.
One of the reasons for Israel's wilderness experience was to eliminate their pride:
And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. (Deuteronomy 8:2-3)
In another passage, additional insights regarding the purposes of Israel's wilderness experiences are given:
Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. (Deuteronomy 8:16-18)
These verses provide God's statement of purpose regarding Israel's wilderness trek. These purposes are His purposes for you also in your wilderness experiences:
-To humble you. -To prove you. -To know what is in your heart. -To see if you keep His commandments. -To make you rely upon God and His Word. -To do you good in the end. -To make you realize it is the Lord that gives you the power to succeed. -To prepare you to receive His covenant blessings.
These were the God-ordained purposes for the path Israel took through the wilderness. God is working similar purposes in your wilderness of negative circumstances and difficulties. Be assured: The pathway you are traveling has divine purpose.
PRAYER:
My FATHER, My God, this year let my life reflect the blessing of the Lord, I shall not be static, I decree PROGRESS, FAVOR, HONOR, AND INFLUENCE are my portion. My life is SALTED, My speech is SALTED, My Home and Business are SALTED in the name of Jesus.