Cruising Route 66
“Fear of the Fight”
The LORD said to Moses, “Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites….”
When Moses sent them to explore Canaan, he said, “Go up through the Negev and on into the hill country. See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many.”
Numbers 13:1-2 & 17-20
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Notice that God did not tell Moses to send in some spies to determine if the land was worth the effort, or if there were any drawbacks, but rather, “go look at what I have given you.” Moses approaches this opportunity of exploration not with the childlike excitement of opening a gift, but rather as a man who simply doesn’t believe in a free lunch.
What must this say to God? You provide love, protection, encouragement, and freedom to your children. Then when you give them a gift, they approach it with nervous trepidation and suspicion. It’s as if God hadn’t earned their trust yet. How would you feel if you gave your child a gift and they were reluctant to open it, wanting proof that what you gave them was safe and worthwhile?
Don’t get me wrong, we’re supposed to be cautious, and plan our way, and God will guide our steps. However, God didn’t tell Moses to check out what the cost of His gift was going to be, or how difficult it would be to take possession of it. He simply said, “explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving” to you. I gave it, now go see what I have given you.
One of the greatest hindrances we face in enjoying God’s blessings and stepping out in faith to face a challenge, is our fear of the fight and the cost of the prize. The return of the spies was the turning point of the great exodus. God had provided it all. He paved the way for their freedom, divided the waters, destroyed their enemies, and established leaders and guidelines for behavior and worship. He led them both day and night, gave them food, and listened to their complaints. Now at the very threshold of God’s promised purpose they choke.
Tonight, before you go to sleep, spend a few moments thanking God and reflecting on where He has brought you. When you awake in the morning spend a few more thanking Him for the day and where He is going to take you.
Bless ya,
Ben
