In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses spoke to the people of Israel according to all that the LORD had given him in commandment to them. Deuteronomy 1:3
The generation that died in the desert believed in God. They had experienced God in the miracle of the exodus, but they acted in unbelief. Warren Wiersbe said, “Unbelief wastes time.” Forty years were lost through fear and unbelief.
So, the great question in Deuteronomy is: How can people with a faith become people with a mission? How can you move from being a person with a faith to a person with a mission?
Think about the people listening to Moses less than 100 days from entering into the land of Canaan. They were all born in the desert. They didn’t know anything else.
Now imagine you are one of them. God has been good to you. He has provided manna every day. You believe in Him. You are grateful for all He has done for you. But your whole life has been shaped by the instincts and choices of your parents. They were believers, but they were so cautious, so afraid of risk, and that has become defining for you.
So, the only faith you have ever experienced is a faith that leaves you wandering around, experiencing God’s provision, but not doing anything to advance His purpose in the world. You’re a believer, but your life has no defining mission. If your life is going to count for God, you need to break free from being defined by your past.
Is there anything from your past that might be holding you back from the mission that God is calling you to pursue?
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Do You Need Hope This Easter Season?
Watch the powerful story of the thief on the cross today
The thief’s story of salvation is one that begins, literally, on the brink of hell. The pain this man had experienced throughout his life fueled his hate for God, so much so that he detested the man hanging there on the cross beside him. But then, for the first time, he began to fear God.
If you’ve found yourself in a similar place, there is hope. Hope because heaven is real, hope because we have a Savior, and hope because all you have to do is accept Jesus’ invitation.
Listen NOW!
The HIKE Through the Bible podcast is now streaming! Join Pastor Colin for a leisurely hike through the entire Bible story. In every episode he reads a chapter from his new book HIKE Through the Bible and then discusses it with some friends.
Join Pastor Colin In-Person!
Do you want to understand the Bible story? 📖
Pastor Colin Smith’s upcoming event FLY THROUGH THE BIBLE, is a high-altitude exploration of the entire Bible story. This brief introduction to the Bible will help you grasp who God is, who you are, who Jesus is, and what He offers to you!
Coming to 4 cities this fall:
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Twin Cities, Minnesota
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Indianapolis, Indiana
Will you join us?

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