It's Been Long Enough: Change Is Coming
Article By Dianna Hobbs
Unexpected delays and roadblocks can be frustrating. And yet, we all have to deal with them.
Israel did.
In Deuteronomy 2, we see that, for about 38 years, they had been wandering in the deserts of Seir, a
mountainous region. In verse 2, after all that time of feeling stuck in the same place, God told them, “You
have skirted this mountain long enough; turn northward.”
Finally, a shift in their journey was taking place. Interestingly, the name “Seir” means rough or hairy. For
what must have felt like a never-ending period, Israel had been walking through a rough place, that is,
until God said enough.
It was time to move on.
Throughout the chapter, God instructs Israel on how to navigate enemy territory on their way to the
Promised Land. He showed them how to handle their season of transition, as a shift was taking place in
their lives.
A shift is going to take place in your life, too. Right now, you may be going through your own “Seir”—your
rough place. But don’t be discouraged.
When your time comes, God will say what He said to Israel. “You have skirted this mountain long
enough.” You have been waiting and crying long enough; praying and seeking long enough; anticipating
and expecting change to come long enough.
Relief and release is coming.
I understand how hard that can be to believe when so much time has gone by with no changes happening.
Israel had been waiting 38 years for God to declare “long enough” over their circumstances.
The man Jesus healed at the Pool of Bethesda had also been waiting 38 years according to John 5:1-15,
remember? He was lying around with many others who were sick, hoping he could jump in the pool when
the water was troubled. If he could just be the first one to hop in, he would get his healing. But everyone
else seemed to get there before he did. The impotent man had no one to help him.
At least not before Jesus showed up on the scene. When the Master stopped by Bethesda, which means
house of mercy, everything changed!
Friend, the Lord is about to show you mercy, grace and favor. He knows you have been in the valley a
long time. Change is coming.
The Lord is taking you from Seir, the rough place, to Bethesda, the house of mercy.
He has seen your affliction and heard your cries, and He is saying long enough.
To remind you that this struggle will not last, read 1 Peter 5:10 NASB, which says, “After you have
suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself
perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”
Know that this prolonged season of hardship and suffering is coming to an end.
It has been long enough.
Prepare for change.
God, the situation looks bleak, but I believe change is coming. Even though I have been praying and
waiting, and have not seen a shift happen yet, I declare by faith that things are moving in my favor.
Instead of giving into defeat, doubt and fear, I declare that it is already done. I praise You for it now.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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