WANDER IN THE WILDERNESS — When God Taught His People to Trust Him

Bible Setting: Numbers 13–14; Numbers 20–21; Deuteronomy 2–8

After God rescued the Israelites from Egypt, He brought them to the edge of the Promised Land—a beautiful place filled with good things. Moses sent twelve spies to explore the land. They returned saying it was amazing, but ten of the spies were afraid of the people living there. They said the enemies were “like giants,” and the Israelites panicked.

Even after all the miracles God had done—splitting the Red Sea, sending manna from heaven, giving water from a rock—the people still doubted. They cried, complained, and even said they wanted to go back to Egypt. Only Joshua and Caleb trusted that God would keep His promise.

Because the people refused to believe, God said they would wander in the wilderness for 40 years—one year for every day the spies explored the land. During this time, God provided food every day, guided them with a cloud and fire, protected them from enemies, and taught them to rely on Him completely.

Even though the journey was long and sometimes hard, God never left them. Their sandals didn’t wear out. Their clothes didn’t fall apart. And their children grew up learning that trusting God brings strength and blessing.

Wandering in the wilderness teaches kids that trusting God is better than giving in to fear. God is patient, loving, and faithful—even when we make mistakes. When we choose faith, He leads us to His promises.

In The Good Fight card game, Wander in the Wilderness represents delay caused by fear and doubt, but also God’s faithful guidance. When kids draw this card, they learn that following God with courage brings progress, while fear keeps us stuck.