Make God Bigger than Your Giants: Numbers 13 & 14
In the Old Testament, the Book of Numbers tells the story of Moses and the Israelites traveling to the Promised Land after their miraculous departure from Egypt. God had promised the land to Abraham and his descendants, the Israelites. God told them to conquer the land for He would be with them.
Moses chose twelve men, each a leader of their tribe, to go and scout out the land of Canaan. They were to report back on the people, their numbers, their strengths, and weaknesses, where they lived, and they were to bring back some of the provisions of the land. The men went out and returned after 40 days. One of the items they brought back was one cluster of grapes that was so large they had to have two men carry it on a pole between the two of them.
The land was occupied by several tribes that included the descendants of Anak, who came from a line of giants before the flood in Noah’s day. When the spies returned they reported how the land was prosperous and said it truly flows with milk and honey and they showed the fruit that they had brought back with them. They reported that the cities were large, well-fortified, and the people were strong. Sensing a negative response from the Israelites, one of the spies, Caleb, responded and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” But the other spies said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” They proceeded to continue with their bad report and said that the men had great stature. The spies compared their enemies’ physical size to themselves and stated that they were like grasshoppers compared to them. They didn’t think about the size of their God who had done wondrous and miraculous things to bring them out of slavery. They instilled fear into their people who started weeping and murmuring against Moses. They wanted another leader to take them back to Egypt, back to slavery.
Two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, spoke to the Israelites saying that the land was an exceedingly great land and that the Lord was with them. They said, “Only, do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” Despite this speech, the congregation of people wanted to stone them.
Obviously, the Lord God was not pleased with the Israelites and their unbelief. God told Moses that He would disinherit the people, bring a pestilence, and make a nation from Moses’ line that would be greater and mightier than them. Moses intervened and told God that the Egyptians will hear of it and say that the God of Israel took out His people but could not deliver them to the promised land and so He killed them in the wilderness. Moses then reminded God of His abundant mercy, his enduring patience, and His forgiving nature. Moses pleaded on behalf of the people and God pardoned them.
Because of their unbelief in God and their fear of man, God told Moses that no Israelite, twenty years and over will go into the Promised land except for Joshua and Caleb. Out of twelve spies, they were the only ones that gave a good report. The Bible says the others gave an evil report. For a total of 40 years, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness and when Caleb was 85 years old, he, Joshua, and the younger generation that survived conquered their enemies and went into the Promised land. Caleb stated that at 85 years old, he was just as strong as he was on the day that Moses sent him out as a spy on the land.
Personal Development Tip of the week:
What giants are you facing that are keeping you in fear and unbelief today?
God has promised us good things in His Word and He promised that He would never leave us. In today’s culture speaking about your faith, your Biblical worldview, and taking a stand for righteousness can mean persecution and social cancellation. Will you cower like the children of Israel and stay in fear, or take God’s Word and trust Him with your decisions in life.
Whatever giant you are facing, fear, sickness, loss, lack, loneliness, sadness, and other challenges, find the scriptures that promise you courage, health, healing, prosperity, fulfillment, wisdom, and solutions, and speak them over your challenges. Jesus loves you so much and He wants a close relationship with you.
Prayer for the week:
Thank you lord for another week. I pray for transformational peace this week in everything that we do. I know lord we might face difficult situations that can bring stress, anxiety, even fear but I pray your peace surrounds us and lifts us up so we can continue to move forward. Protect us, guide us, and direct us to have a blessed week in Jesus name I claim Amen!
-Dayne
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Make God Bigger Than Your Giants