Have you ever been afraid to move forward? Maybe some obstacles seemed too big in moving towards a new job, home, or opportunity and you decide to stay put. Maybe you have been called by Yah to disciple or evangelize to someone, but you fear being rejected and doing nothing. The Bible is filled with stories about people who dare to face the impossible. What gives them the strength to do so and how can overcome our fears?
Moses led Israel out of Egypt with the sole promise of entering a promised land. But when finally confronted, Israel got scared. Even after seeing the mighty hand of Yahweh at work, they doubted Him when faced with giants. They “lifted up their voices and cried, and wept that night.” They grumbled against Moses and went down “memory” lane, moaning that it would have been better to die in Egypt than in the wilderness. They worried about the giants plundering their wives and children. They even sought to replace Moses as the leader. (Num. 14:1-4) My, how quickly we can forget rea.
How many giants are you facing today and are you willing to confront them? How many people do you know that choose to leave or ignore these giants? Is it easier? The status quo got Israel another 40 years in the wilderness.
I just read about a mother who is taking a California school district to court. She was moved to righteous anger when she found out that school teachers had counseled her pre-puberty daughter to transgender herself. These teachers met with this young girl without parental permission, encouraging her through secretive notes and private meetings. The mother of course was appalled and immediately moved forward to fight a giant school district who has unlimited funds. Since taking on this challenge, she and her lawyer are uncovering many other cases that involve other children. I will be praying for a win.
Riley Gaines is a young lady who is taking on the NCAA giant for the rights of women to not compete against biological males. She has been attacked, ridiculed, and threatened, but she hasn’t given up. Kristian Hawkins fights for the rights of the unborn by going to college campuses to educate young people about life in the womb. Like Riley, she is attacked as well and has to travel with 24-hour security.
Notice the words of Joshua, when he confronts the fearful crowd, “If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into the land, and give it to us. . . only do not rebel against the Lord and do not fear the people of the land, for they shall be our prey.” (Num. 14:8-9). Joshua stood in the gap between Moses and the people. He stood against the crowd of unbelief, trying to remind them that with Yah, giants become prey.
In a few weeks, our fellowship will be going out into the community to offer prayer for anyone who wants to pray. Does this action scare you? Most likely it does. I think it is important for us to ask if we view the challenge of Kingdom work as a battle for Yahweh to overcome or if it is ours.
President Biden has just raised a pride flag to be the centralized focus during the month of June, pushing aside the American flag. Adding to this disgrace, Biden just featured a transgender party at the White House, allowing transgenders to go topless. Do you think we need prayer? Do you think they need prayer?
Our study this week is called Shelach L’cha or “Send for Yourself.” What does this exactly mean? How do we send ourselves? May I suggest that we send ourselves towards the Living King and make ourselves available for Kingdom work? In Joshua chapter two, we read about a harlot named Rahab who recognized the God of Israel. In doing so, she made herself accessible to hide spies. She believed in Israel’s God. She sent herself. . . stepping in the way of those who sought to kill Israel’s men.
The apostle Paul warns the early church about the perils of unbelief. He reminds the church to “hold fast in confidence and the boast of hope until the end. (Heb.3:6). Finally, he quotes Psalms 93 and 95 by saying, “Today if you hear His Voice, do not harden your hearts as when they provoked Me. As in the day of trial in the wilderness where your fathers tried Me by testing Me.” (Heb.3:7-8). Rahab did not provoke the Lord, but instead served as an example for Israel. Her belief opened the door to victory.
My friends, we no longer have the luxury of being apathetic in our belief. We must learn to trust Yahweh in all things. This includes the big battles—the ones you don’t think you can win. For when we grumble and doubt, we do so against the One who has promised us life. Let us be like Joshua and Rahab. Choose to believe, then act on that belief. He will fight for you. He will cover for you. He will lead you. He will give you strength to overcome according to His riches. (Philippians 4:19)
Be Blessed,
Rollyn