In Numbers 13, we see a moment of great significance in the story of the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land. Twelve spies were sent to scout the land that God had promised them, a place flowing with milk and honey. However, upon returning, the majority of the spies lacked faith in God’s promise and instead focused on the obstacles and challenges they saw in the land. This lack of faith led to fear and disobedience among the Israelites, causing them to rebel against God’s plan for them. We need to consider the role of faith in our own lives. Do we trust in God’s promises even when faced with uncertainty and challenges? Or do we allow fear and doubt to cloud our judgment and lead us away from following God? The consequences of the Israelites’ lack of faith serve as a cautionary tale for us to hold onto our faith even in the face of daunting circumstances, knowing that God’s promises for us are true and that He will guide us through any trials that come our way. Let us strengthen our faith, trust in God’s plan for us, and turn away from fear and disobedience.
May we have the courage to step out in faith, believing in the promises of God even when the obstacles seem insurmountable.
This is significant as Moses is directed by God to send out the 12 spies. One from each tribe. Only two came back with the positive report that with God and through their faith, they can take the land God promised them! Ten were negative. God gives us His promise and even provides proof of abundance (milk and honey) and yet, the majority of us doubt.
Carnally, the ten knew by their own might, they couldn’t conquer the land. However, two believed by faith that with God’s help and God’s word, the promised land is theirs!! Who would you listen to today? Whom shall you serve? Are you going to say like Joshua, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” Joshua 24:14. Would you be in the minority or do you get swayed by the majority? Do you cave to peer pressure or do you bend to the will of God? You see, God didn’t come for popularity and told us the world will hate us because it hated Him first. So, we should expect to go against the grain, be separated from the world, be a peculiar person. So, when you see things in the world become popular, that should be a caution sign for us.
Faith over fear! This is where God can do amazing things! Faith makes the impossible—possible. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. I know my God never fails! I know God is a God that cannot lie! I know His promises are true! I know what He did for me—He will do for you!! We know life and death are in the power of the tongue so speak life! Don’t be like the ten spies and speak death. Did you know that is literally what happened to them? God told them they will not enter the promise land and nobody will until the unbelievers die. Caleb and Joshua were the only ones from the original 12 to enter the promised land. Our salvation is built on faith that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. We will not die the second death. For those who believe Jesus came to earth, lived and died for our sins and rose from death, we become sons of God and therefore will live in the promised land in heaven for all of eternity! It takes faith!
If you want to ask God to forgive you for your unbelief or if you want to ask God to have His way in your life and submit to His will, ask Him to come into your heart and to forgive you of your sins. If you are looking for His guidance, ask Him to guide and lead you. God is waiting for you. He stands at the door of your heart and knocks. Will you let Him in? He wants a relationship with you!
