“They (Nun and Caleb) said to all the people of Israel, ‘The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!’â€�²

If there is something we know well about the people of Israel, it’s that they had many ups and downs in their relationship with the Lord (like many of us!). One day they were celebrating all that God had done for them, and the next they were complaining and doubting God’s goodness and faithfulness in their lives. God had said he was going to give the Israelites the Promised Land, but by instructing Moses to send the twelve spies to scout the land, He also wanted to see their obedience and complete trust in Him.

The spies saw that the land was good in many ways, but ten of them chose to focus on the negative part… there were giants, the people there were powerful, their towns were large and fortified. They couldn’t possibly go against them! Their trust in God immediately dwindled based on what they saw. However, two of the spies chose to focus on what God had said… He would give them this land, therefore there was no doubt in their minds that God’s protection and the victory was on their side.

Have you ever found yourself doubting God’s promises when you see the giants in your path? Like the Israelites, our faith is easily swayed despite the countless times God has come through for us and shown us His power and faithfulness. Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to, “Trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.� When challenges come, we should always remember all that God has already done for us! We can’t always see how He will work things out, but that should not cause us to doubt the fact that He will do it. Are you going to choose to believe what you see? Or will you believe what God has said?

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for the many times you have shown me your mercy and faithfulness. When challenges arise in life, I pray that you help me remember and believe your promises, instead of believing only what I can see. You are far greater and stronger than anything that comes my way. Thank you for always being with me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1.    Numbers 13:27-28, 31.

2.    Numbers 14:7-9.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.