The Caleb quieted the people in the presence of Moses and said, “Let’s go up now and take possession of the land because we can certainly conquer it!”
But the men who had gone with him said, “We can’t attack the people because they are stronger than we are!”
Numbers 13:30-31 CSB

The Israelites had spent 400 years in slavery in Egypt. They had cried out to God, and He had heard their cry and brought them out of there under the leadership of Moses. But they grumbled and complained and were disobedient. So, they spent 40 years wandering around in the desert on what should have been a 14-day journey. When they got close to Canaan, they sent 12 men in to scope things out. The men brought back grapes, pomegranates and figs to show that it was rich with food. They spent 40 days scouting out this land. Two men, Jacob and Caleb brought back a favorable report. But the other 10 said that the land was full of giants and fortified cities, and they just weren’t strong enough to take it.

So, who was telling the truth? They both were. This land was a rich and fertile land with lush vegetation just as God had promised. This land also was home to people like the Amalekites, Hethites, Jebusites, and Amorites. These people were descendants of Anak, and their people were giants.

The big difference is Joshua and Caleb understood that God had promised this land to them. God had brought them this far. They knew God would help them to defeat these giants. They knew God would bring them safely into this land if they would only trust in Him.

This is a lot like us today, isn’t it? We live in bondage to our sin. We are slaves to our sin. God is just a prayer away. We can cry out to Him; we can repent and be on our way to eternity in heaven the place He has promised for those who love Him. But there are going to be giants in our way. There are going to be big battles to fight on the way there. We will have to destroy some giants. We will have to cross rough waters. Maybe we will talk about that tomorrow. But the great news is we won’t have to do it alone. God will be right there with us every step of the way. He will help defeat those giants.

We are told in Matthew 7:13-14 that the road is narrow, and the way is hard that leads us to heaven. But the road to destruction is wide and the traveling is easy. We must choose which way we will go.

Will you grumble and complain and cower in fear? Or will you trust in Jesus and defeat the giants and claim God’s promise to you? The choice is yours.

I’ve faced a few giants and have crossed some rough waters since I decided to take this narrow road, but God has never let me down. He has been with me every step of the way. He will do the same for you.

Have a great day!