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Obstacles and Opposition

God told Moses to send out men to explore the land that He had designated for them. Moses sent out 12 men to get a look at the land God commanded them to possess. This would be a land flowing with provision: “This was their report to Moses: ‘We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country’” (Numbers 13:27). The land was just as God described and better than they’d imagined. Yet they would encounter obstacles, enemies, and battles up ahead. 

Ten of the men lost their nerve because, for them, the threat of battle eclipsed the promise of blessing, even though God promised this land to them. Over and over again the Lord has whispered in my ear, “I’m not going to let you lose, but I have to let you fight.” Every place of promise God calls us to possess will come with opposition. But the blessing will always far outweigh the battle.

Do you shy away from battle when your promised land depends upon it? If so, you need a fresh revelation of God’s love for and promise to you. You’ll have the heart for the fight when you remember God has equipped you for battle.

God had a purpose in calling the spies to scope out the land: to understand the journey before them. Yet ten of the twelve spies lost heart once they glimpsed the challenges on the road ahead. Perhaps this is why God in His wisdom reveals only so much to us, even though we constantly beg Him for more information! 

Yet Joshua and Caleb saw what God wanted them to see. They saw possibility, potential, and the reality of God’s promise coming to pass in their lives. The ten other spies were so vocal about their doubts that unbelief spread through the camp like a plague. Think of your words and perspective not only as critical food for your own soul, but as fuel for others’ faith (or doubt). 

If the devil can convince you to look down, he’ll get you to turn back. Maybe today is a good day to look above your troubles to the One who promised to empower you every step of the way. 

God of angel armies, open my eyes to see the promised land ahead of me! Help me not to shrink back in fear or to posture in self-preservation. I belong to You. Give me faith for every step, even as I encounter obstacles. In Your mighty name, I pray. Amen.