Numbers 14:40-44 New International Version (NIV)
40 Early the next morning they set out for the highest point in the hill country, saying, “Now we are ready to go up to the land the Lord promised. Surely we have sinned!”
41 But Moses said, “Why are you disobeying the Lord’s command? This will not succeed! 42 Do not go up, because the Lord is not with you. You will be defeated by your enemies, 43 for the Amalekites and the Canaanites will face you there. Because you have turned away from the Lord, he will not be with you and you will fall by the sword.”
44 Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the highest point in the hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord’s covenant moved from the camp.
When the Israelites realized that they had made a big mistake, they were ready to turn back to God. Admission and true repentance are two different things. God knew their hearts. It is important to do what is right the first time. God wants complete obedience and instant obedience. Have you ever done the wrong thing to start with? Have you ever realized you made a mistake? When you realize this, immediately ask for forgiveness and make true repentance part of this action to change your behavior. God knows your heart. He will know that you are truly sorry and want to change your behavior. Never be hesitant in running to God. He loves you. You may have to go through the consequences of your actions, but he will be right there beside you helping you through.
