Numbers 11:23 (ESV) -- And the LORD said to Moses, “Is the LORD’s hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not.”

We are dense creatures. We proclaim to believe that God is over the universe. Our confession is that the LORD created the heavens and the earth with a simple word. Nothing is too hard for Him. There is no such thing as difficult in God’s vocabulary or experience. Yet we put limitations on God’s ability every day. This is seen in how slow we are to pray for things that seem “too big” for God. We would never say anything is too big for God, but we often live like that is the case.

Our passage today is a reminder that nothing is beyond the LORD’s ability. We read in Numbers 11:23, “And the LORD said to Moses, ‘Is the LORD’s hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not.’”

The people of Israel are craving meat. They are tired of manna in the wilderness. Their desire for a different meal has led them to daydreaming about their time in Egypt as slaves. They want the meat and protein that came with it. So they plead with Moses and complain about what—in their minds—they lack. 

The LORD speaks to Moses about them. He asks the question, “Is the LORD’s hand shortened?” This is a rhetorical question. Of course, the LORD’s hand is not shortened. God can do all things. He can act in power to give meat. He has no limitation of His power or ability. The LORD then tells Moses to watch and see whether His word comes true or not. It does. The LORD sends quail to the camp. He sent a wind that carried the birds to the camp of the Israelites and there they fell. It is quite fascinating to think about. The LORD controls the flight of birds and winds. He is capable of doing all things.

Friends, what issue are you facing today where the LORD may ask you this question? Are there things you are not asking for help with because you struggle to remember His power? What would you be praying more fervently about if you truly remembered how powerful God is to do all things? The arm of the LORD is not shortened. He can do all things. He has no limitations.

Reflection & Journal:
- What does the LORD mean by “is the LORD’s hand shortened?”
- Why do we struggle to remember the power and limitlessness of the LORD?
- What particular things in your life do you need to pray more boldly about?

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