It is not uncommon for the satanic realm to try and convince us we are inadequate, of no worth to Christ, and that our gifts and abilities cannot affect the kingdom of God in any way. In relation to other “giants” of adversity or responsibility we tend to center on our insufficiencies, feeling we have no power to change the situation.
One can only imagine how it would have turned out if Moses had sent the 12 spies into Canaan without an agenda or instructions. It was evident that 10 of the 12 had no relationship of faith with the God of Israel, and their perceptions of themselves and their low self-esteems tainted their views of reality. Their persuasion, as recorded in chapter 14, opposed to Joshua’s and Caleb’s report, changed the course of the history of Israel. They did not realize God had already placed fear upon the surrounding nations (Ex. 15:14–15).
God, in his sovereignty, goes before us with his Spirit, so we should not be afraid as we walk in that same presence, since he has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. He is “Immanuel” (God with us), and in his strength we can view ourselves as “more than conquerors” rather than grasshoppers.
Lord, I do not want to live in fear but to walk in the power of your Spirit. Work in me to be bold in your service today.
Robin Buchanan, Princeton, W.Va.
Extended Scripture: Numbers 12–15
