When the children of Israel were preparing to go into the Promised Land, Moses sent twelve spies to go ahead and check things out. The report was not what he had hoped for. Ten of spies declared that the land was good, but they would never be able to conqueror it: the opponents were simply too big. Their final argument to the people was, “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” (Numbers 13:33) As a result of believing this report, the Israelites spent forty years wandering around in the wilderness.
The tens spies made a common mistake that many Christians have made over the centuries: facing human problems with human resources. The issues may vary – a budget shortfall, a problem teenager, an uncertain job, a special project – but often the question asked is “What can I do?” We forget to ask “What can God do?” Instead of comparing our problems with God, we compare them to our own lives and resources. It isn’t long before we feel like we are grasshoppers surrounded by giants.
The ten spies were overcome with fear and negative thinking. They had already forgotten that God had delivered them from Egypt and drowned their enemies in the Red Sea. Their outlook was not one that looked to God in faith, but rather focused on their own shortcomings.
There were, however, two spies who believed differently. They too had seen the size and power of the inhabitants they would need to do battle against. Their report was different: “If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” (Numbers 14:8-9)
The two spies believed that if God was with them, then he would help them do what he had asked. They believed that God would supply what was needed and he would lead them to a better place. They weren’t denying the reality of the situation; they were living by faith and so their perspective was positive. Don’t let fear dictate what can or may happen. Invite God and his infinite resources into your situation and move forward by faith.
