God had told Moses that he and Aaron would not enter the promised land. Then Aaron died, and his son, Eleazar, took over as high priest. You can imagine how depressing it was for Moses and the rest of the Israelites. Yet they had to continue the journey, which continued to be tough. They had to go around the land of Edom because its king did not let them pass through. When it came near Arad, its king ambushed and kidnapped some of them. Upset, the Israelites asked God for power to destroy the Canaanites. 

Despite the victory, their woes were not over. They had to continue the journey with little food and drink. Again, the people spoke against God, and snakes bit them. Once again, Moses pleaded for them and a bronze snake was erected to save them. 

Despite all the miracles, the Israelites were assured of the protection of God, but the journey continued to be difficult. They had to fight the Moab, the Sihon and the Bashan. 

Similarly, after being saved, the road ahead of us is not necessarily smooth sailing. We would face many challenges. We may even fall once and again. However, God is faithful to find us back. Why did God make lives so difficult for the Israelites? God wanted to build these people to be strong as they entered the promised land. Similarly, for us, we have not arrived. God wanted to build us up so that we may better enjoy the new heaven and earth in future. 

So let us persevere and be strong in the LORD. Blessing.