What giants are standing before you right now? What obstacles are blocking your way?
Are you afraid? Do you think they’re too big to break through?
Today, I was reflecting on a story you and I may have read a million times before.
An Old Testament story.
This narrative is true but hard to comprehend. You see, the Israelites had just left Egypt by way of the Red Sea. They watched God open up the water so they could pass through on dry land.
After they got into the wilderness, God performed more wondrous signs. At times the people were in awe.
What’s important to note is that when God sent Moses to deliver His people from Egypt, He gave them a promise.
God tells Moses…
“I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8).
After some time in the desert, we read that “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites'” (Numbers 13:1-2). So Moses chose 12 men to go and explore the land as God instructed. So began a 40-day trek.
Moses told them to check out the land and the people and bring a report back.
When they got back to camp, they had a report. Ten of the leaders said this, “We went into the land to which you sent us and it does flow with milk and honey” (Numbers 13:27)!
Oh yes, it was just as God had described.
Then they said, “But (**a word that shows unbelief to the max) the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large… We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are” (Numbers 13:28, 31).
However, two of the spies, Caleb and Joshua, came back with a different story. They saw everything the others had seen, but they thought it would be good to go and attack.
God says of Caleb: “Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly” (Numbers 14:24).
The sad thing is that the ten “bad-report” guys spread rumors throughout the land until everyone sided with them.
So, what’s the difference between Joshua/Caleb and the other ten?
I see it as a focus issue.
The ten focused on the people, their size and strength. Caleb and Joshua focused on God. They knew that God was bigger, He had promised, and He would give them the land.
In this story alone, we see how God honors the ones who walk by faith and not by sight. Because of their unbelief, the nation of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 more years. And everyone 20 years and older died in the desert, except Joshua and Caleb.
The people never saw their Promised Land.
I’m writing this post because I needed this reminder today. I have some big giants I’m facing right now and I need to focus on my God, not the large eyes looking back at me and the strength of the giants.
So, I will go back and reclaim God’s promises, remembering His power. I will speak them out loud:
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
“I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself” (Isaiah 44:24).
“To whom will you compare me?” Or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift your eyes and look to the heavens; Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name” (Isaiah 40:25-26).
“Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Oh my goodness, there are so many more promises in Scripture. Find the ones you need and write them down.
I’m saying, “NO MORE” to those giants. I will not focus on them today or tomorrow. I will focus on God.
I know He will do what He said. I know He is bigger. And I know He’s way stronger.
I will try my hardest to walk by faith and not by sight.
Will you join me? Will you try to do it as well?
If you let faith rule, God will honor you, just like He did for Joshua and Caleb.
Love and Blessings,
P.S. While this message came from my research on Joshua, I was just too inspired to not share it today. Please let us know if God used this message in your life by responding in the comment section.
A wonderful message Sheryl. I believe we all face our giants and our faith wanes at times, but your message was very uplifting. Prayers are are for you dear one. Remember, God will make a way when there seems to be no way.
This was a great word and very timely. I am struggling emotionally. That you so much for this great re”MIND”er. You are such an encourager Shery hope one day we get to meet this side of heaven.
Me too, Nan. How fun would that be. And thank you for the encouragement.
Thank you for sharing I too am facing some giants and I am trying very hard to hold on to my faith. And what keeps coming up is The will of GOD will never lead you to a place that the GRACE OF GOD won’t bring you through. Thank you HOLY SPIRIT.
Thank you for sharing Sheila. I just may steal that line. So very true.
Sheryl,
Whenever I hear the word “GIANT,” I think of Goliath. He made Israel’s soldiers absolutely cower in fear! But then came along little David, the Shepherd boy delivering food with a bag of stones that he had discovered in the wilderness while watching over his father’s sheep.
David was immediately introduced to Goliath, the towering giant, and he couldn’t understand why his brothers and the other soldiers were cowering in palpable fear. Were they not Israel’s mighty warriors, while he was just a young lad?
But, David had a secret that had been forged in his heart in the many times that he had protected his Father’s flock from all kinds of wild animals. And what was David’s secret as he faced this horrible, snarling giant of a man, Goliath? It was his words, not the slingshot or the bag of stones that he had carried with him.
For David was able to say to Goliath with confidence, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in THE NAME of THE LORD of HOSTS, The God of the armies of Israel whom you have deviled!”
Thank you, David, for giving each one of us the most powerful weapon to cut down our enemies, and that is THE NAME of THE LORD of HOSTS! Your Beloved Offspring, JESUS, also showed us how to use The Word of God in the BATTLES against the Giants that scream their threats against us.
LORD God, please remind all of us that we need to call forth The Power that resides within Your Name and the Truths within Your Holy Word; for then we shall be able to fight every giant that comes against us to gain the victory! Amen and Amen!
Well said, Elsie. Lord, we do ask that you remind us where our power comes from and that we use it against our powerful enemy.