God often asks us to do something outside of our comfort zone. What Christian expects to have the odds neatly stacked in their favor?
When God sends us on a mission, it usually stretches the boundaries of our current abilities. New assignments often seem intended to test the edges of faith previously built with our past experiences.
That’s kind of what happened when He sent Israel’s 12 spies on a reconnaissance mission to Canaan. However, if you observe the story closely you’ll notice that their concerns were exaggerated.
There was evidence that they could have taken the city, overcome their obstacles and possess the land.
But focusing on fear drowned their faith.
When you are faced with a giant, tricky obstacle remember that often what the devil screams is too hard for you is exactly what God says is possible.
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
Doubt Has a Way of Exaggerating Itself
The 10 spies’ fear proved irrational once Israel finally crossed the Jordan. Their obstacles dissolved one by one.
Giants shrank.
Walls fell.
The Bible even says that the Amorites and Canaanites hearts’ “melted” with fear because God dried up the Jordan.
Israel came to earthly Canaan to spy out the land.
The Bible even says that the Amorites and Canaanites hearts’ “melted” with fear because God dried up the Jordan.
God came to planet earth to “spy it out.”
Jesus saw the walls around men’s hearts and said, “I can possess it. I can live in these hearts. I can take these cities.”
10 of Israel’s spies reported that they could not possess the good land.
Jesus selected 12 to assist Him but they all left, at least for a time. So He “went up” in extreme faith to take the land alone.
The Israelites did not go up in faith. They went down in fear.
When the Israelites realized they’d sinned by doubting, they changed their minds. They decided to go up and take the land. However, God was no longer with them in that venture. They fought and lost.
Jesus went up by Himself. And by Himself, He conquered human hearts alone.
Then He spied out the heavenly Canaan for us. He sent proof that the land was good. He sent the “fruit” of the Holy Spirit. He poured out the first fruits.
He gave us a fighting spirit. A spirit of yes, we can take the land of men’s hearts!
Heaven is worth the fight for men’s hearts.
When you listen to this sermon, ask God what land does He want you to possess? What heart does He want you to win?
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