Walking With Jesus (Faith) Sample

Wandering

Moses sent twelve spies to spy on Canaan. Ten of them brought bad news about the land that discouraged the Israelites. The other two, Joshua and Caleb, chose to be different. They did not deny the facts about Canaan, but they also believed in God that had promised to hand over the land to Israel. They firmly believed that the God who had promised would enable the nation to face any difficulties that might happen to them. However, the Israelites did not want to believe in it. God expressed his wrath, and the nation must receive the punishment. 

Uniquely, Joshua and Caleb also shared the consequences of the nation's hardened hearts. God did not give them the privilege to enter Canaan early. They also had to wander with this obstinate nation. This means that they had to maintain their faith amid their unbelieving countrymen. They were the minority amid the majority, and they had to do this for 40 years. This is not an easy thing. 

The struggle for both was very hard. Facing pressures from their people for a long time was certainly not an easy thing to deal with. However, they made it through. They managed to get through those stressful days by believing in God's promise for them. They finally entered Canaan with the new generation of Israelites. Yes, all old generations died in the wilderness along with the ten spies who stifled their hearts 40 years ago. This shows that they held on to God's promises with all of their hearts. The wandering time that they had to go through was not a punishment for them but a time to refine their faith.

Our faith in the Lord does not always bring instant results. Faith must be tested through unfavorable circumstances and environments to prove its purity. The experiences of Joshua and Caleb show that faith is strengthened and purified through these challenges. Their example inspires us not to be discouraged in the day-to-day trials of faith. Yes, our faith is tested every day during our wandering time on this earth.

Reflection:

1. How is your faith tested? Share it!

2. What often happens when your faith is tested? Did you pass the test? If you failed the test, what was the reason?

Application: 

Untested faith is not precious faith. Stay calm in the test of your faith!