“Your destiny is too great, your assignment too important, your time too valuable. Do not let fear intimidate you.” -Joel Osteen
Fear can prevent you from achieving what God created you to achieve.
Don’t let that be the case.
These four lessons from the 12 spies will equip you to overcome your fears and accomplish what God has called you to do:
1. Do an assessment.
God had promised to give the land of Canaan to the people of Israel. In Numbers 13:17-20, God directed Moses to select 12 spies and have them go into Canaan, spend forty days observing and assessing the situation and bring back a report. Specifically, Moses instructed them answer some fundamental questions:
a. What is the land like?
b. Are the people strong or weak?
c. Are there a few people or many of them?
d. Is the land good or bad?
e. Are the towns unwalled or fortified?
f. Is the soil fertile or poor?
g. Are there trees or no trees?
Likewise, when God directs you to do something, begin with an assessment: For example, you may ask yourself:
a. What has God called me to do?
b. What circumstances are involved?
c. What people are involved?
d. What are my fears?
e. What is the worst thing that could happen if I pursue my calling?
f. What is the best thing that could happen if I pursue my calling?
2. Make a definitive decision.
After assessing the situation, one of the spies, Caleb said, “We should go and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” (Numbers 13:30)
This does not mean that Caleb had confidence in himself. He was emphasizing that his power came from God.
Likewise, you must make a decision. Are you going to do what God has directed you to do?
As Zig Ziglar said, “Fear has two meanings: “Forget Everything And Run” or “Face Everything And Rise”. The choice is yours.”
3. Eliminate negative thoughts.
Negative thoughts lead to a bleak assessment of any situation you are facing.
Despite the fact that God had promised to give them the land, ten of the twelve spies offered a negative assessment, as shown in Numbers 14:2-4:
a. The people are powerful.
b. The cities are fortified and large.
c. We will be like grasshoppers.
d. If only we had died in Egypt or in the wilderness.
e. Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword?
f. Our wives and children will be taken as plunder.
g. Wouldn’t it better for us to go back to Egypt?
Likewise, when God directs you do something, fear might lead you to have negative thoughts such as:
a. I am too old.
b. My health is not good.
c. I’m not technically inclined.
In order to succeed, you must eliminate those negative thoughts.
Caleb saw the exact same things that the other ten spies saw. However, he had a completely different response to what he had seen:
“We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” (Numbers 13:30)
Caleb did not have confidence in himself. Instead, he was confident in God’s power.
4. Trust God completely.
Ten spies focused on their circumstances and their personal limitations.
On the other hand. Joshua and Caleb trusted God completely.
“The land we passed through is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into the land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them. (Numbers 14:6-9)
As a result, they had peace. You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3 GNT)
Peace and fear cannot co-exist.
Blessings to you as you apply those lessons, overcome your fears, and do what God has called you to do.
It’s your turn NOW.
I would love to hear from YOU.
Which point mentioned above resonated with you most today? Why?
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