How can we encourage others to trust God as Caleb did in Numbers 14:9? \Verse Spotlight: Caleb’s Call to Courage\ “Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be devoured by us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!” (Numbers 14:9) \Core Truths We See in Caleb’s Words\ • God’s command outweighs human opinion. • Fear melts when the reality of God’s presence is embraced. • Obedience flows from confidence in the Lord’s power, not from circumstances. • Encouragement is urgently needed when doubt is spreading. \Practical Ways to Encourage Others to Trust God\ • Speak God’s promises aloud – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). – Repeating Scripture shifts focus away from obstacles and onto the Lord’s sufficiency. • Highlight past victories – Remind believers how God delivered Israel at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13-14). – Share personal testimonies of answered prayer, reinforcing that the same God still acts today. • Replace fear language with faith language – Caleb said the giants would be “devoured by us.” – Encourage phrases such as “God is able” (Ephesians 3:20) rather than “What if we fail.” • Model wholehearted devotion – “I followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly” (Joshua 14:8). – Consistent personal obedience becomes a living illustration that trust is possible. • Point to God’s abiding presence – “The LORD is with us” (Numbers 14:9). – Echo Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” reminding believers they never face challenges alone. • Stir mutual encouragement daily – “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). – Text a verse, make a call, or meet for fellowship to keep faith fresh in community. • Guard against rebellion and unbelief – “See to it… that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12-13). – Gentle correction helps redirect wavering hearts back to trust. \Scripture Chain for Strengthening Faith\ • Psalm 118:8 – “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.” • Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” • 2 Chronicles 20:17 – “Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD.” • Romans 15:4 – “Everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” \Stepping Into Action Today\ • Choose one promise of God and share it with someone facing a “giant.” • Replace any fearful statement you hear with a faith-filled truth from Scripture. • Live out visible obedience, demonstrating that God’s Word is reliable, literal, and absolutely true. |
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