They reported to Moses: “We went up to the land where you sent us. Indeed, it is flowing with milk and honey, and here is some of its fruit. However, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We also saw the descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites are living in the land of the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea long the Jordan.” Numbers 13:27-29 HCSB
This Scripture passage is when Moses sent men from each tribe to go and scout out the Promised Land. Of course, it was every bit as good as God had promised, but (there was a but) the people were big and strong. There were giants. The cities were large and well-fortified.
There was no way they could inhabit the Promised Land. Never mind it was called the Promised Land for a reason. God had promised Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses that His people would inhabit this land. He brought them out of slavery in Egypt to live in this wonderful land flowing with milk and honey.
But these spies said, “No can do.” Except there were two spies, Joshua and Caleb who said, “We must possess this land.” They went on to say that if the LORD was pleased with them, He would bring them into this land and give it to them. They warned the people not to rebel against the LORD and not to be afraid of the people.
They told the Israelites they would devour the people of this land because their protection had been removed and God was with them. Joshua and Caleb had faith. They know God will work everything out for them.
The Israelites have seen God part the Red Sea to protect them from their enemy. They have seen God rain manna down to provide them with food. They have seen water come from a rock. Sadly, they think this same God cannot deliver their enemies over to them and help them to inhabit the land He has promised them.
They have seen all these miracles and know of God’s great power, yet they are afraid of the inhabitants of this land. They have spent 40 years wandering around in the desert and now they reach the borders of Canaan, the Promised Land and are too afraid to enter.
It’s easy to sit back and judge the Israelites but I have to admit, sadly, I have been there, done that and got the t-shirt. I have found myself in a faith crisis moment. In these times, our enemies look like giants living in these huge fortresses we could never penetrate. And why would we penetrate the fortress if we are terrified of the giants living inside of it?
It’s just easier to accept that we aren’t good enough, we aren’t strong enough, we don’t have what it takes. These are the lies the devil tells us.
When we have God, we have all we need. We can tap into His strength, trust in His power and be victorious. If God is for us, who can stand against us (Romans 8:31). Don’t let the giants get your focus off of God. Don’t let the devil tell you you’ll never be able to win. Trust in God. Believe in His word.
Romans 8:28 tells us all things work for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. Joshua and Caleb told the Israelites they could win if God was pleased with them.
It’s our job to make God happy by bringing Him glory, honor and praise in the things we say and do. It’s His job to take good care of us. He will do this if we trust in Him. We can’t please God by having a lack of faith.
Hebrews 11:6 tells us it is impossible to please God if we lack faith. Trust in God. Know He’s got your back. He won’t let you down. Don’t let those giants scare you. You serve a God who is much bigger than they are, and He will fight the battle for you.
Have a great day!