In what ways can we avoid the Israelites' fear and disbelief? Background: What Happened at Kadesh “ They came to Moses and Aaron and to the whole congregation of the Israelites in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report for them and the whole assembly, and they showed them the fruit of the land.” (Numbers 13:26) Twelve spies saw the same land. Ten returned overwhelmed by giants; two returned overwhelmed by God. The difference was perspective—fear versus faith. Recognize the Roots of Fear and Disbelief • Forgetting God’s track record (Exodus 14:21-31) • Focusing on obstacles more than on promises (Numbers 13:28) • Listening to fearful voices (Numbers 13:32-33) • Allowing feelings to overrule God’s Word (Deuteronomy 1:32) Refuse the Majority Report • Caleb counters the ten spies: “We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!” (Numbers 13:30) • Faith often stands in the minority, yet aligns with God’s certainty. • Galatians 1:10 reminds us to please God, not people. Focus on God’s Promises, Not Visible Problems • Joshua 1:9 — “Do not be afraid… the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” • Isaiah 41:10 — “I will strengthen you; I will surely help you.” • Romans 10:17 — Faith grows as we keep hearing His Word, not our worries. Keep a Continual Memory of God’s Past Faithfulness • List previous deliverances—personal “Red Seas” God has parted. • Psalm 77:11 — “I will remember the works of the LORD.” • Numbers 14:24 — Caleb’s “different spirit” was fueled by remembering, not rewriting, history. Speak Faith-Filled Words • Proverbs 18:21 — “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” • Numbers 14:9 — “Do not be afraid… the LORD is with us.” • Replace “We can’t” with “God can.” Walk in Obedience, Not Opinion • Hebrews 11:6 — Faith acts because it believes God rewards obedience. • James 1:22 — Be doers, not merely hearers. • Step forward even when emotions lag behind; obedience fuels courage. Stay Close to Courage-Building Company • 2 Timothy 1:7 — God gives “power, love, and self-control,” not fear. • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 — Two are better than one; find a Joshua or Caleb to walk with. • Avoid chronic complainers; pursue companions who echo God’s voice. Practical Steps for Today • Start each day with Scripture before news or social media. • Write one promise of God on a card; rehearse it aloud when fear knocks. • Keep a gratitude journal of answered prayers and past victories. • Choose worship music that exalts God above circumstances. • Serve others—action against fear often begins with outward love (1 John 4:18). • End the day recalling where God showed up; let that memory shape tomorrow’s outlook. |
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