Read Numbers 13:1-14:10

Confidence in the Promises of God

God promised the children of Israel that He would give them the land of Canaan. He commanded Moses to send out twelve men, one from each tribe, to “spy out the land” (Numbers 13:1). They were instructed to observe the people, the cities, and the agriculture. They were commanded, “Be of good courage” (Numbers 13:20).

The spies returned after forty days and raved about the good things in the land, a land that “truly flows with milk and honey” (Numbers 13:27). Then ten of the spies said, “Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large” (Numbers 13:28). These spies lacked confidence in the promises of God.

Caleb was different, though. He stood up for the truth and “quieted the people,” trusting in God, urging his brethren, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30). He knew what God had said, and He trusted what God had said.

Sadly, the majority ruled. “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we…we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:31, 33). But what about in God’s sight? Isn’t His sight what really matters?

Joshua and Caleb both acknowledged the power of God. “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.’ Only 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” (Numbers 14:7-9). What was the result of the faith of these men? Their brethren wanted to stone them to death!

When we stand for the truth and walk in the Spirit, we may be opposed by those who are closest to us in this life. However, those people have no power over eternity. Only God can save a person from his sins; only God can rescue one from the clutches of Satan. Yet it is a decision we must make to follow Him and to trust His promises. Only by submitting to Him in humility will He lift us up (James 4:7).

Do you have confidence in the promises of God?