But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. “There we saw the giants; and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” – Numbers 13:31-33

Some days it can truly feel like I am in a land with giants. The giants are fierce, unmerciful, and vicious. Frankly, they are downright scary! In fact, any time that I read this accounting of the children of Israel from the spies who went in to scout the promised land, I find that I can relate all too well to their fears. My giants aren’t actually people, they are illness and disability, pain and challenges, but they are large and feel insurmountable.

Knowing the end of the spies’ story, however, it is clear that it is not pleasing to God if we shudder in fear of our future or refuse to go in boldly to the unknown and claim His promises. So I have to figure out the difference between the 10 fearful spies that I relate to so easily and the 2 who stood boldly and said, “Let’s go at once to take the land. We can certainly conquer it!” (vs. 30) The answer is faith. So simple, and yet so elusive when our minds and hearts are clouded with fear.

Haven’t we, like Caleb and Joshua, witnessed God’s great love for us? Have we not known His awesome power and experienced His wonders? The Israelites had as well! They had walked through the Red Sea on dry land and watched God defeat countless fierce enemies when the odds were impossible. The Lord’s people had been fed with manna from heaven, drank from a rock, and seen Moses’ face glow with the glory of having been with God! How could they now doubt that He would grant them the victory, wherever He asked them to go?

How can I doubt? Have I seen or experienced any less from my God? Do I know know of his power and wonders? Yes, the land He is asking me to walk through, maybe even conquer, is filled with giants. So? I need to raise up my shield of faith here, and recognize Who is going with me! Come at me, Giants! Bring it!

Like Caleb, I will say, “Let’s go at once to take the land. We can certainly conquer it!” And like Joshua, I will know, “As for ME and my house, we will serve the Lord!”

Father, replace my fear with faith. Strengthen me as I learn to depend fully on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…

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May God Bless You,

Shelly