How can we encourage others to trust God's promises, as seen in Numbers 32:7? Setting the Scene in Numbers 32:7 - Numbers 32 records how the tribes of Reuben and Gad asked to settle east of the Jordan because the land suited their livestock. - Moses answered, “Why are you discouraging the Israelites from crossing into the land the LORD has given them?” (Numbers 32:7). - Their hesitation threatened to sap the confidence of the whole nation, showing how one group’s doubts can ripple through an entire community. Principles for Encouraging Trust in God’s Promises - Recognize the weight of influence: personal attitudes either fuel faith or spread fear (Numbers 13:31-33; Deuteronomy 1:28). - Keep God’s promise in view, not present ease: the land was “the LORD’s gift,” so confidence flowed from His word, not circumstances (Numbers 32:7). - Act in unity: shared obedience strengthens collective courage (Joshua 1:16-18). - Speak faith-filled words: “Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess” (Hebrews 10:23). Practical Steps to Build Up Others’ Confidence - Share testimonies of God’s past faithfulness. - Read Scripture aloud together, especially passages affirming His promises (Romans 15:4). - Express commitment with visible action—serve, give, or move forward first, inviting others to follow (Numbers 32:17-18). - Offer consistent encouragement: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). - Pray Scripture over people in their hearing, wrapping their hearts in God’s own words (Isaiah 55:11). - Celebrate small steps of obedience so momentum grows. Scriptures that Reinforce the Call to Encourage - Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” - Psalm 119:50: “This is my comfort in affliction, that Your promise has given me life.” - 2 Corinthians 1:20: “For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” - Hebrews 3:13: “Encourage one another daily, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Personal Application - Choose words and actions that lift faith rather than stir doubt. - Keep God’s promises in regular conversation, making them the reference point for decisions. - Model forward-moving obedience; example often convinces better than argument. Summary By refusing to discourage and intentionally championing God’s revealed promises, believers become catalysts of courage, helping others cross every “Jordan” God sets before them. |
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