What steps can we take to avoid the Israelites' fear in Numbers 13:14? Setting the Scene The spies’ report in Numbers 13 frightened an entire nation. Ten men magnified giants; two men—Joshua and Caleb—magnified God. Their contrasting perspectives give us a roadmap for keeping fear from overtaking us today. Facing Today’s Giants with Confidence “Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, ‘We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it!’ ” (Numbers 13:30). Caleb’s bold declaration springs from settled convictions we can adopt. Step 1: Remember God’s Proven Faithfulness • “I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.” (Psalm 77:11) • Revisit personal testimonies and biblical accounts of deliverance: Red Sea, manna, water from the rock. • Keeping a journal of answered prayer refreshes courage when new challenges loom. Step 2: Anchor Your Mind in Specific Promises • “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) • “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous…for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) • Memorize verses addressing fear; quote them aloud when doubts whisper. Step 3: Obey Quickly and Completely • Israel stalled; fear grew. Prompt obedience cuts fear off at the root. • “Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not fear the people of the land… the LORD is with us; do not be afraid of them.” (Numbers 14:9) • Partial obedience keeps us circling the wilderness; wholehearted obedience moves us into promise. Step 4: Choose Courageous Companions • “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) • Ten fearful voices swayed a nation; two faithful voices pleased God (Numbers 14:24). • Surround yourself with believers who speak life, pray boldly, and remind you of truth. Step 5: Guard the Gate of Your Tongue • “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21) • The ten spies’ words spread panic; Caleb’s words sparked faith. • Speak gratitude, declare Scripture, refuse grumbling—what we verbalize shapes what we visualize. Step 6: Rely on the Spirit, Not the Flesh • “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7) • Pray in the Spirit, yield to His prompting, and stay filled through worship and the Word. • Flesh reacts to giants; the Spirit sees them as “bread” (Numbers 14:9). Step 7: Fix Your Eyes on the Reward • “Do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward.” (Hebrews 10:35) • The cost of courage is temporary; its fruit is lasting inheritance—just as Caleb received Hebron. • Keep eternity in view; present giants look smaller when compared to eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Living the Lesson Take these steps intentionally, and the next time “giants” loom, you’ll respond like Caleb—not with shrinking fear, but with triumphant faith in the God who still leads His people into promised territory. |
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