Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. —Numbers 14:9

Click Here to Read Today’s Scripture: Numbers 13-14

Because of fear, it took me many eternities to learn how to ride a bike. At age seven I was finally riding, and after a fun evening zipping about the neighborhood with my friends, I headed home. When I approached my yard, fear hopped out of my back pocket to torment me once again. Our yard was bordered on two sides by a mossy cesspool, aka the drain. I could have easily ridden across the three-foot wide bridge, but suddenly I was afraid to do that. I decided I would walk the bike over. Two steps across, and I wobbled. Then two splashes and a shriek later, the bike and I were wallowing in the stinky, tar-colored water. 

Most of the Israelite leaders sent to survey the Promised Land also struggled with fear. God had promised he would help them defeat the people who occupied the land, but when they saw the great size of the Amalekites, Caananites, and other tribes, ten of the twelve leaders were so fearful, ignoring God’s promise, they tried to get all the other Israelites to flee back to slavery in Egypt. This greatly displeased God. In contrast, because Caleb and Joshua ignored their fear and put their full trust in God, He allowed them to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 13-14). 

God wants us to have faith in Him, no matter how scary the situation is. God never fails us when we trust in Him and allow Him to lead us. Let’s be like Caleb and Joshua and reap the blessings that come when we reject fear.

Reflection: What fears do you need to surrender to God and trust Him to handle? What can you do today to show God that you have faith in Him?

Prayer starter:

Father, please teach me how to trust you when I am fearful, and help me to have faith that You are in control.

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