Have you ever been afraid to move forward in life? Maybe some obstacles seemed too big, and you decided to play it safe. It’s more common than you think.
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 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 real plunder stories.
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 taking a California school district to court. She was moved to righteous anger when she discovered 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 with 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.
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.
Do you view the giants in your path as prey? Do you consider the battles being put in your way as Yahweh’s battles or yours? I think it is an important question for us.
This week’s study is called Shelach L’cha or “Send for Yourself.” What does this exactly mean? How do we send ourselves? May I suggest 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, 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 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 beliefs. We must learn to trust Yahweh in all things. This includes the big battles—the ones you don’t think you can win. 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.
Be Blessed,
Rollyn