There is nothing so clear to me in being a Reformer than in understanding that Israel in the wilderness was a type for the church. Around us are all sort of fortified cities, strongholds, and menacing giants. We look at our living conditions and we would like quail instead of the bread of the angels or the nourishing water God has given us. False prophets exist like Balaam to turn our attention away. All the while on our journey God calls this person or that person to come join the walk. When God wants us to attack, He gives us the victory. When we try attacking without His provision, we fail. Sometimes our victories are easy. Sometimes difficult. But we learn lessons from them. He doesn't promise us wealth and happiness but neither does our clothing wear out. Instead He promises us a journey together with Him. We live by His grace and under His care as we walk this path with Him leading the way.
Psa 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Eventually, only a few entered the Promise Land. Over 2,000 years the church has walked through the land of Canaan. Just a little bit less than the Israelites did on their journey.