How can we trust God when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges today? Setting the Scene: Israel at the Brink “Why is the LORD bringing us into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and our children will become plunder. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” (Numbers 14:3) • Israel is camped on the edge of the Promised Land. • Twelve spies have reported – ten focus on giants and fortified cities, two (Joshua and Caleb) on God’s promise. • The people choose fear, questioning God’s goodness and power. The Heart Problem: Fear vs. Faith • Fear magnifies obstacles; faith magnifies God. • Israel forgot: – The plagues that humbled Egypt (Exodus 7–12). – The Red Sea opening (Exodus 14). – Manna every morning (Exodus 16). • When memory of God’s past faithfulness fades, present challenges feel crushing. Why Their Question Matters Today We meet “giants” too—diagnoses, financial crises, cultural hostility, fractured relationships. Our hearts still ask, “Why is the LORD bringing me here?” Israel’s story shows both the danger of unbelief and the path of trust. Grounds for Trusting God in Our Challenges • God’s Character is constant – Faithful: “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God…” (Deuteronomy 7:9). – Sovereign: “Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.” (Psalm 115:3). • God’s Presence is promised – “Do not be terrified or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9). • God’s Power wins battles – “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). • God’s Past deeds prove His reliability – Remembering His works fuels present courage (Psalm 77:11–12). • God’s Promises are sure – “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Steps to Move from Fear to Faith 1. Recall God’s track record • Keep a written list of answered prayers and past deliverances. 2. Replace grumbling with gratitude • “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). 3. Refocus on Scripture daily • Let His words, not circumstances, shape perception (Psalm 119:105). 4. Reaffirm God’s sovereignty aloud • Speak truth to trembling hearts (Psalm 42:5). 5. Remain in obedient forward motion • Israel stalled and wandered; Joshua and Caleb entered the land because they “followed the LORD fully” (Numbers 32:12). Promises to Anchor Our Hearts • Isaiah 41:10 – He strengthens, helps, upholds. • Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” • John 16:33 – Christ has overcome the world. • Hebrews 13:5–6 – He will never leave or forsake us; therefore we can say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” A Closing Vision Challenges that dwarf us are dwarfed by the God who calls us. When we rehearse His character, recall His works, and rest in His promises, we find courage to step forward—just as Joshua and Caleb did—confident that the same Lord who parted seas and toppled walls still leads His people today. |
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