How can we overcome obstacles like those described in Numbers 13:28? Facing the same kind of giants “Nevertheless, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified, and we even saw the descendants of Anak there.” — Numbers 13:28 Israel’s scouts described genuine, literal obstacles—towering warriors, thick walls, overwhelming odds. The challenges we meet today can feel just as intimidating. Yet Scripture shows a clear, practical path to victory. Truths that steady our hearts • God’s promise is greater than any problem (Numbers 13:30; 14:8). • His presence drives out fear: “The LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). • The battle is ultimately His: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). • Our strength is Christ Himself: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). Steps to overcome modern “giants” 1. Acknowledge the reality, but refuse to surrender to it – Caleb faced the same facts yet said, “We can certainly conquer it!” (Numbers 13:30). – Faith doesn’t ignore obstacles; it calculates with God in the equation. 2. Remember what God has already done – Rehearse past victories: the Red Sea (Exodus 14), Jericho’s walls (Joshua 6). – Personal testimonies anchor the heart for new battles. 3. Feed faith, starve fear – Replace the majority’s fearful report with the Word: “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). – Guard conversations and media that magnify the problem. 4. Speak God’s promises out loud – Joshua and Caleb declared, “Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us” (Numbers 14:9). – Our words steer our outlook (Proverbs 18:21). 5. Act in obedience, even while afraid – Israel stalled and wandered; Joshua advanced and conquered. – Obedience opens the door for God’s power to manifest. 6. Put on spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) – Truth buckles us in; righteousness guards the heart; faith quenches fiery doubts. 7. Stand with faith-filled companions – Two voices of courage outweighed ten voices of defeat. – Fellowship fuels perseverance (Hebrews 10:24-25). 8. Keep the long view – David ran toward Goliath because he saw God’s glory beyond the valley (1 Samuel 17:45-47). – Eternal perspective shrinks temporal threats. Scriptural portraits of triumph • David vs. Goliath (1 Samuel 17) – physical giant felled by covenant faith. • Gideon’s 300 (Judges 7) – impossible odds overturned by obedience. • Hezekiah vs. Assyria (2 Kings 19) – fortified Jerusalem delivered through prayer and trust. • Early church vs. persecution (Acts 4-5) – bold witness despite threats. Encouragement for the journey God never minimizes the size of the walls or the fierceness of the Anakim, but He always magnifies His ability to deliver. When the obstacle looms, fix your eyes on the One who dwarfs it. Stand on His promise, step forward in faith, and watch fortified cities crumble and giants fall. |
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