Fear or Faith?

Numbers 14:2-9 (Click on reference to read text)

The 40+ years that Israel spent wandering around the dessert was full of ups and downs.  They had seen God do amazing things: part the Red Sea, bring water from a rock, feed them from the Heavens, and many more.  The Bible even says that their shoes and clothes did not even wear out (Deut 29:5)... after 40+ years!  That in itself is a miracle.  Yet, despite all of these great acts of God, they struggled with their faith.  Fear crept in and then Faith walked out. 

After hearing the report of the 12 spies, the Israelites begin to grumble.  The became afraid of the overwhelming task of conquering the promised land.  They went so far as to say "let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt" (vs. 4).  This was absurd! They began to see the very place where they were enslaved as the Promised Land.  It can happen to us!  

Fear drives you to bondage!   You begin to think the present circumstances you find yourself in is just too hard.  You begin to romanticize the past and remember it a lot better than it actually was, and if you are not careful, will convince yourself to return to a life of enslavement.... a life apart from the complete indwelling and control of the Holy Spirit.  Be Aware! 

Fear may drive you to bondage, but Faith drives you to blessing!!  Joshua and Caleb, who were also apart of the 12 spies, tell a different story.  They choose to believe the promise of their God and keep moving foward!  They speak in faith, "If the Lord is pleased with us, then HE will bring us into this land and give it to us- a land which flows with milk and honey... Do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey.  Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them" (vs. 8-9).  Obstacles, no matter how large, disappear when you are standing with the Great God of the Universe.  God always keeps His promises!  It may not always be easy, but the Promised Land is worth it!

Are you living in Fear or Faith?  Do you find yourself hesitant to continue in the way God has called you?  Are you romanticizing the past and wishing things could go back, before you stepped out in faith?  Make sure you are not making decisions out of Fear!  The Bible warns us to, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:16-19).  Walk by faith!