Numbers 14:5-45

"Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!'" v.9
With great miracles, God had led the Israelites out of slavery, through the desolate wilderness, and up to the very edge of the Promise Land. He had protected them, fed them, and fulfilled every promise. Yet when encouraged to take that last step of faith and enter the land, the people refused. After witnessing so many miracles, why did they stop trusting God? Why did they refuse to enter the Promise Land when that had been their goal since leaving Egypt? They were afraid. Often we do the same thing. We trust God to handle the smaller issues but doubt his ability to take care of the BIG problems, the tough decisions, the frightening situations. Don’t stop trusting God just as ready to reach your goal. He brought you this far and wont let you down now. We can continue trusting God by remembering all he has done for us!

When Moses reported the Lord’s words to all the Israelites, the people were filled with grief. Then they got up early the next morning and went to the top of the range of hills. 'Let’s go,' they said. 'We realize that we have sinned, but now we are ready to enter the land the Lord has promised us.'"v.39-40
When the Israelites realized their foolish mistake, they were suddenly ready to return to God. But God didn’t confuse their admission of guilt with true repentance because he knew their hearts. Sure enough, they soon went their own way again. Sometimes right actions or good intentions come too late. We must not only do what is right, but also do it at the right time. God wants complete and instant obedience.

Tkaen from the NLT Life Application Study Bible