After the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, they arrived at the edge of the land God had promised to them. Moses, following God’s command, sent twelve men to spy out Canaan. Among these twelve were Joshua, the son of Nun, and Caleb, the son of Jephunneh. Their mission was to explore the land and bring back a report on its inhabitants, fortifications, and fertility.
These twelve men, one representative from each tribe, spent forty days doing reconnaissance. Upon returning, they presented their findings to the whole congregation of Israel, “We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit.” In hand, they carried an enormous bunch of grapes which theologians estimate to weigh about 110lbs! Wow! What a great report! I’m sure if the spies had stopped their report there, the Israelites would’ve proceeded to march into their promise. Yet, as us flawed humans tend to do, they kept talking, “However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the Negeb. The Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in hill country. And the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and along the Jordan.”
Every possible obstacle, small and large, was reported. Even so, the Bible tells us that Caleb quieted the people and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it!” To which the remaining spies contradicted, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” Their report spread fear and doubt among the Israelites, causing an uproar and a loss of faith in God’s promise. The people wept, despaired, and even considered returning to Egypt, forgetting the miracles God had had already performed on their behalf! In the group of 12 spies, Joshua and Caleb were the minority and their report that acknowledged the challenges but focused on God’s promise was ignored. Their confidence was not in their own strength, but of God’s. Their perspective was different. Here were 12 men, viewing the same circumstances, but having different perspectives. That is what will make the difference in your faith walk Preacher Girl.
You see, PG, God had already promised the land of Canaan to the Israelites. Their doubt in His promise came from the fact that possession of the land wouldn’t come easily. If you think you’re going to get where you’re going without an obstacle…well prepare yourself. The devil knows what you’re capable of better than you know and he will throw every obstacle and excuse in your path before you’ll reach your promise. Just know that if God has given it to you, it’s yours! Before 12 men stepped into the land to survey it, God already saw it. After all, He made it! Satan may set up giants in the place of your promise but know that God has given you the ability and the authority to defeat every single giant.
So today PG, I pray that you hold on to your promise the way Joshua and Caleb did. I pray that you have the courage to give the report that God has purposed despite what the opinions of the majority might be. Know that God has given you everything you need to face your giants. Do not allow fear to dictate your faith.
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