Faith to Enter the Promised Land | Numbers 13-14

Welcome to Real Life. Have you ever felt stuck? You don’t like where you are. But, you’re too afraid to move forward. 

Israel is stuck. They had made incredible progress. With God’s strength, they escaped slavery in Egypt and crossed the desert. But, then, on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, they hesitate, fearful of what lies ahead. So, they decide to send in twelve men to spy out the land.

Their report: The land is lush, flowing with milk and honey. BUT … the people are giants! They’ll squash us like grasshoppers.”

Only two spies, Caleb and Joshua, exude confidence, “Let’s go in. With God on our side, we can take ‘em.”

But, the people can’t shake the negative report. Fear has taken hold. They hate the desert, yet
 lack the faith to enter the land. They grumble, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! Why is the Lord bringing us to this land to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken plunder.” 

They have forgotten. This is the land God promised them. God always delivers on his promises. Egypt out-powered them, until God crippled the nation with ten plagues. The desert was uninhabitable, yet God miraculously provided food, water, and protection for their wilderness journey. God is on their side. They can’t fail. This is already Israel’s land. It’s a done deal
regardless of what stands in their way.

But, fear wins. The people rebel. They plot to kill Moses and choose a new leader to guide them back to Egypt. God punishes this rebellion by sentencing them to wander forty more years in the desert they detest (one year for each day the spies were in the land). This generation will die in the desert. Their children will enter the Promised Land.

Facing forty more years in the desert, the people attempt to enter the land without God. They attack the Amalekites and fail miserably. They’re chased back to their desert camp with their tails between their legs.



It is impossible to fulfill God’s plan—without God. 

Like Israel, I get stuck. I don’t like where I am. But, I’m too afraid to move forward. Should I …

· Take this job? 

· Pursue this relationship?

· Chose this school for my kids?

· Undergo this medical treatment?

· Return to school?

· Teach this class? 

· Start this business?

· Move to this new place? 

· Launch this ministry?

Each decision has consequences. With God, I can’t fail. But, is this God’s will? I don’t have the prophet Moses to show me the way. Where can I find the confident faith to enter my Promised Land?
  • PRAYER  Lord, please give me clear guidance on this decision—so clear I can’t miss it.
  • PEOPLE  Seek the advice of trustworthy, godly people.
  • PEACE  Pray for God’s peace regarding this decision before I move forward.
  • PROVISION  God can provide impossible needs. He can also close doors by withholding provision: a failed entrance exam, not offered the job, no funds, etc.
  • PASSION  God designed us with unique passions, desires, and gifts. Do I have a strong desire to do this, but fear is making me hesitate?

Dear Lord, I don’t want be immobilized by fear. But, I don’t want to move forward without you. Get me unstuck. Please reveal your will. Then, fill me with the faith I need to enter my Promised Land.


Taking it further ...


If there’s a road I should walk
Help me find it
If I need to be still
Give me peace for the moment
Whatever Your will
Whatever Your will
Can you help me find it 
Can you help me find it 

I’m giving You fear and You give faith 
I'm giving You doubt 
You give me grace 
For every step I've never been alone 

Image of red door taken by my son Calvin Tustan in Ireland.

Comments

  1. Fear is so powerful - you are right. When we look back, it seems almost unbelievable that the Jews would not have moved forward into Israel. As you said, G-d was on their side - they were unbeatable.
    I also find myself/doubting/hesitating. Many of us want the certainty it will work out before we move forward, but unfortunately, that is not going to happen. I beleive G-d is always on our side but we lack prophecy to understand exactly what G-d wants of us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Larry,
      Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
      (I noticed and appreciate the way you honor the name of God.)

      I can relate too easily to the people of Israel. I often hesitate because of fear. I know I've missed much of what God wanted for me because I was afraid.

      You're right. God is always on our side. He's for you and me. :) However, he won't bless our activities that oppose his will.

      Delete
  2. Hello My Dear Peggi,

    Your article today reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures. Moses is talking with God. The children of Israel have once again been grumbling and complaining and God is angry with them. He wants to make a nation out of Moses but Moses reminds him that these are his people. God says that he will not go with them and Moses says to him," if you don't go, then don't bother to send me. That is what separates us from all the people in the world, your presence. The fact that you go with us. "

    You have given us some powerful steps to test whether or not we are making the right decisions. I believe that God still wants to lead us, but he's waiting on us to say, LORD, walk with me. If you don't walk with me, then I don't need to go any farther." It was this testimony of Moses, Walk with me, LORD. Show me the way, that caused God to say to Moses," I'll do this thing you have asked because you have found grace in my sight and I know you by name." God is still willing to lead us into an adventuresome life, if we place our trust in him.

    Thank you for giving us steps to accepting change and moving farther in the will of God.

    Shalom,
    Patricia

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    Replies
    1. Hi Patricia,

      Thank you for your wise words, friend. I love to learn from you. :)

      Likewise, I have prayed, "If you don't go, Lord, I don't want to go without you." It is a good thing to need God.

      Thanks again for stopping by. I greatly appreciate your encouragement!

      love, peggi

      Delete

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