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. LarryJune 21, 2013 at 8:41 AM

    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. Peggi TustanJune 21, 2013 at 11:57 AM

      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. Pat GarciaJune 21, 2013 at 1:21 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Peggi TustanJune 23, 2013 at 5:27 PM

      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

Post a Comment

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!

Popular posts from this blog

Forever, You Love Me | A Psalm of Peggi Tustan

Image
Welcome to Real Life . When you think of God, what comes to mind? Lord, you are my refuge. When I am weak, when I am afraid, when I am insecure, I run to you. You are my safe place. I share the deepest secrets of my heart with you. I share my most difficult struggles with you. I confess my ugliest sin to you. When I feel unlovable, when I struggle to love myself, Still, you love me. You forgive me. You wash me. You restore me. You wrap me in the righteousness of your Son. You hear, you understand, you answer my cries. You go before me and behind me. You protect me from harm and evil. You keep me safe. You know every moment of my past. You see every moment of my future. You know me better than I know myself. And still, you love me. I do not have to pretend to be strong, or full of faith. You know the truth, because you know me. I do not have to strive to earn your love and approval. You love me as I am. Because you know me so well, you know what is best for me. Your plans for me are...
Read more

Are You Thirsty? | John 4

Image
Welcome to Real Life . No one can live without water. “Will you give me a drink?” Jesus asks a Samaritan woman. Nothing satisfies thirst like cool, clear water—especially after a long hike. Jesus and his disciples were on a 70-mile trek from Jerusalem to Galilee. About halfway, they stop in Sychar, Samaria to rest. While the disciples enter the town to buy food, Jesus waits outside the city at Jacob’s well. When a Samaritan woman comes to draw water, he asks her for a drink. A drink of water is no big deal, right? Actually, it is. “You’re a Jew and I’m a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” she asks. Jews did not associate with Samaritans. They considered them half-breeds who worshiped other gods alongside Yahweh. Jews believed any contact with Samaritans (like drinking from the same ladle) rendered them unclean. “If you knew the gift of God and who asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water,” Jesus replies. “Everyone who drinks...
Read more

Victory Over Lions | Daniel 6

Image
Welcome to Real Life . Who are we trying to please? “ Not everyone has to like me... I can't force people to have good taste. ”   Anonymous No matter how hard we try to do everything right, some people will not like us. Daniel was an all-around great guy—loyal, wise, and full of integrity! King Darius recognized his exceptional qualities and planned to set him over the entire kingdom. The other administrators, however, grew jealous. They spied on Daniel trying to detect some fault, some corruption, some negligence in him. But they found nothing. Finally, they realized the only way to take Daniel down was to find something to do with the law of his God. Daniel’s enemies noticed that he prayed three times a day with his window open towards Jerusalem. They devised a plan, and approached King Darius, saying, “May the king live forever! We all agree the king should issue a decree that anyone who prays to any god or human for the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be th...
Read more