"...they were unable to enter because of unbelief." (Hebrews 3:19 NRSV)
When you know the context of this passage, it makes you shake your head in regret. The writer is referring to the people of Israel who missed out on all that God had for them. They didn't experience it because of a lack of belief that God would do as He said and a lack of trust that God had the ability to do as He said. These people got so far--out of Egyptian bondage--and then died in the desert because of belief and trust issues.
Occasionally, I face these same issues. There are days when I can't quite get my arms around what God is doing. Sometimes it's hard for me to believe that anything will happen, even though God is telling me that it will. When things seem impossible, I struggle in believing that God can and will do as He says.
But there's something that always changes my perspective...
the thought of missing out on all that God is doing.
I don't want to get this far and then miss the "promised land". I've experienced enough of God's love, power, provision and plan to know that it's worth believing in even when you can't see it.
So today, I look to the future with hope...
and a growing belief in who God is and what He will do.