Numbers 17

Chosen and confirmed

Now it came to pass on the next day that Moses went into the tabernacle of witness, and behold, the rod of Aaron, of the house of Levi, had sprouted and put forth buds, had produced blossoms and yielded ripe almonds. ~ Numbers 17:8

Have you ever wondered how to know for sure that God is the one who opened a door, confirmed a calling, or placed you where you are? Maybe you thought the Holy Spirit pointed you in a certain direction, but now that some time has passed, you are not so sure anymore?

Today’s scripture reading speaks directly to these times of uncertainty when voices are loud, opinions are divided, and you are tempted to prove yourself. After rebellion, confusion and dissention rose up among the Israelites, God chose a simple yet powerful way to confirm His choice. He caused a dead rod to come to life. This chapter reminds believers today that God does not need your effort to validate what He has already chosen. He is able to bring fruit from places that look lifeless when His hand is on it.

Below are three thoughts to consider as you read today:

1. God confirms who He chooses

The rods all looked the same when they were placed before the Lord, but only one carried His power. Aaron’s rod budded because he was the one God had chosen.

Trust God to confirm your calling without striving. In current circumstances, this may look like continuing to serve faithfully when recognition is delayed, staying obedient when others question your role, and allowing God to show His favor through lasting fruit instead of quick approval.

2. Life flows from God, not human effort

A rod has no ability to produce life on its own, yet God caused it to blossom. This showed the people that His authority brought growth where there was none.

Stop exhausting yourself trying to make things happen. In everyday life, this can look like praying before pushing harder, resting when you feel pressure to perform, and trusting God to bring growth in your work, relationships, or ministry even when you feel empty or unsure.

3. God’s confirmation brings peace, not chaos

God used the budding rod to silence arguments and restore order among the people. His confirmation removed confusion and settled hearts.

Let God settle questions that create anxiety. In present circumstances, this may look like placing a decision before Him and waiting for clarity, releasing the need to defend yourself, and choosing peace over constant explanation.

I used to wonder if I would ever be in a place where I was led by God’s Spirit. I questioned whether I was truly called or if I needed to do more to prove it. Even after I knew I was in the right place, it still took some time before I really started to step into His giftings on my life. As I continued to pray and stay faithful, I watched God quietly bring fruit from my faithfulness. Opportunities opened, peace replaced insecurity, and confirmation came without me forcing it. Now I understand that God was showing me to trust His voice over my doubts and His timing over my impatience.

Today I want to encourage you to trust God to confirm what He has placed in your life. Let Him bring growth where you feel weak and clarity where you feel unsure. When God chooses, He also sustains, and His confirmation will always bring life, peace, and lasting fruit.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 17

1 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and get from them a rod from each father’s house, all their leaders according to their fathers’ houses—twelve rods. Write each man’s name on his rod. 

3 And you shall write Aaron’s name on the rod of Levi. For there shall be one rod for the head of each father’s house. 

4 Then you shall place them in the tabernacle of meeting before the Testimony, where I meet with you. 

5 And it shall be that the rod of the man whom I choose will blossom; thus I will rid Myself of the complaints of the children of Israel, which they make against you.”

6 So Moses spoke to the children of Israel, and each of their leaders gave him a rod apiece, for each leader according to their fathers’ houses, twelve rods; and the rod of Aaron was among their rods. 

7 And Moses placed the rods before the Lord in the tabernacle of witness.

8 Now it came to pass on the next day that Moses went into the tabernacle of witness, and behold, the rod of Aaron, of the house of Levi, had sprouted and put forth buds, had produced blossoms and yielded ripe almonds. 

9 Then Moses brought out all the rods from before the Lord to all the children of Israel; and they looked, and each man took his rod.

10 And the Lord said to Moses, “Bring Aaron’s rod back before the Testimony, to be kept as a sign against the rebels, that you may put their complaints away from Me, lest they die.” 

11 Thus did Moses; just as the Lord had commanded him, so he did.

12 So the children of Israel spoke to Moses, saying, “Surely we die, we perish, we all perish! 

13 Whoever even comes near the tabernacle of the Lord must die. Shall we all utterly die?”

Journal:

• Where am I trying to prove something God has already spoken
• What area of my life feels dry or lifeless right now
• How can I give God space to confirm His work without rushing the process
• What fruit has God already produced that I need to recognize and thank Him for