Part 2– “Strengthened” — Israel’s in the Wilderness
Speaker: Pastor Joey Ho
Scripture: Numbers 32:13
The Series Framework: Trial → Trust → Transition → Transformation
Book of Numbers Storyline
1. The beginning of their journey from Mount Sinai (Numbers 1-10)
2. Wilderness of Paran (Numbers 10-19)
3. Wilderness of Moab (Num. 20-36)
Trials
God used 2 ways to lead and guide the Israelites during their time in the wilderness: Pillar of Cloud & Pillar of Fire
“Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. 2 “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the Lord heard this.”
—Numbers 12:1-2
Trust
Trusting in God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees.
- God wanted the Israelites to trust in Him for their daily dependence for manna and water.
- God wanted the Israelites to trust in Him for physical protection from the enemies
- God wanted the Israelites to trust in Him for direction as they were aimlessly following a cloud by day and fire by night without knowing the destination.
“The Lord’s anger burned against Israel and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until the whole generation of those who had done evil in his sight was gone.”
—Numbers 32:13
Transition
Transition: A period or phase in which change is happening
Every step of the way in the wilderness and in the people’s rebellion, God was always providing for them.
Transformation
God strengthens His people through trial, trust, transition, and transformation—using wilderness hardships not to break us, but to build us into a covenant nation.
Where has God strengthened our church in the last 40 years?
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
—Joshua 1:9
The last 40 years of YLD stand as a testimony to God’s provision, protection, and power.
