Numbers 13 and 14
The Israelites had been led to the wilderness and were on the doorstep of the promised land. God instructed them to send twelve spies into the land to check it out, bring back some samples of the local grocery store, and assess ways to conquer the people. Upon returning, the spies reported that the inhabitants of the land were giant, fierce, and unconquerable. Well all of them said this except for Caleb and Joshua. These two brave spies tried to convince the people the other spies were wrong, but instead the people panicked. Fear seized the Israelites and they chose to trust these ten, rather than God.
Caleb and Joshua showed great courage in this story. The ten other spies were not lying. I am sure the inhabitants of the land were in fact big, strong, and scary. No doubt conquering them and the land would be a challenge. Yet in the face of these odds, Caleb and Joshua remained courageous, and more importantly, keep their faith in God.
What big, strong, and scary issues am I facing today? What fears have I allowed to gain a stronghold in my life? Will I have the faith and courage to go where God is leading me, despite the risks? To be honest, I struggle with worry, anxiety and fear. I have for awhile. Today I need to be strong. Today I need to find my strength in the one who can conquer, and has conquered all.
God, today I give you my worries and my fears. Help me to trust in you no matter the risks and no matter how big the Amalekites, Hittities, or Jebusites in my life are. Amen.
