Numbers 14:8,9 – “If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ 9Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.”
The children of Israel are at the crossroads. They are on the verge of entering the Promised Land. Twelve spies have gone to check out the land and have returned. Ten of the spies give a report that is called evil in verse 37. But two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, give a different report and part of their response is today’s devotional. How could ten spies see the same thing one way, and two spies see it totally different?
Obstacles will always be perceived in one of two ways. First, some will view them as blockades and reasons not to move forward. I think we can safely say that the majority of the spies thinking this way is reflective of a majority of the people. However, there are a few who will see obstacles as opportunities. Joshua and Caleb saw three things the other ten did not see:
1. “They are our bread.” They saw the inhabitants of the land as a means of provision. They already had homes built and vineyards cultivated. It was theirs for the taking.
2. “Their protection has departed from them.” The enemy was seen as vulnerable and exposed. Joshua and Caleb saw this as a weakness that could be taken advantage of.
3. “The Lord is with us.” No matter how big the obstacle or how numerous, if the Lord is with you, you will be victorious. Joshua and Caleb had seen too much to be convinced otherwise.
If you see obstacles as a reason to not move forward, get another lens. Look through eyes of faith. See the opportunities that lie before you and do not fear. Don’t expect God’s promises to be void of opposition and conflict. There might be a battle that needs to be fought, but press on…the land is yours!