OCTOBER 9, Numbers 13:30-33

The Israelites were now at the border of the Promised Land. Instead of bubbling with excitement at the prospect of entering and possessing the land God promised, they were afraid. Instead of looking to God for help, they looked to their weaknesses and failed to see how God can work through them despite their weaknesses. In other words, they looked set for failure. Their motto became “We are not able” (verse 31), and no amount of pleading and reasoning could help them. Why was this so? They did not look to God. They could see nothing but failure and obstacles in front of them. They believed the enemies were much stronger and bigger than they (verse 31), that the land was one that would “devour people” (verse 32), – that it made life very difficult for them, and they were so afraid they referred themselves as “grasshoppers” (verse 33).

God’s assurance of divine help were buried beneath a pile of exaggerated fears and doubts. All they could see was the word FAILURE. For these Israelites, failure was not a possibility; it was a foregone conclusion. Because of that, they grieved like people who have been defeated, even before they fought the enemies! Were they defeated? Physically, no. But in reality, they were because in their minds they had already lost. They were set for failure. Are we sometimes like that? When problems come our way, do we use a magnifying glass to examine them and fear them such that our faith melts and the word FAILURE stares straight at our face?

Dear child, whatever problems you or your family might face, remember you are NOT set for failure. The Lord has promised that He would guide and guard you, and He will keep His promise!

Thought: Look to the Lord for help, and not at my weaknesses in despair.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to trust You in all things. I know trouble and problems will come my way, or my family’s way, but Heavenly Father, help me to commit them into Your hands for You care for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.