This post comes from Calvary Chapel Pastors
Numbers 13:25-33
What do you see when trouble arises? After a 40 day scouting trip of the land God had promised to Abraham, the 12 spies returned and gave a mixed report concerning the land and the next steps to take. Ten of the men gave a very scary, negative report concerning the “giants” in the land and their walled cities. We “looked like grasshoppers in their sight” they shared with those listening, “it’s a land that devours its inhabitants”, they reported. Upon hearing the report, the people became fearful and lost their excitement about the future promises God had for them. Two of the scouts, Caleb and Joshua, gave a good report and reminded the people about the promises of God. They reminded the people that this land filled with “grapes”, milk and honey was available to them as God would give them victory over their enemies. They could posses their possession that God had given them through His promise to Abraham.
You and I find ourselves in similar situations as we choose to either see the “giants” or in other words, the problems and obstacles of life or the “grapes”, the promises and victory that Jesus gives us over this world. Fear is the natural response to trials followed by worry and stress. As we stare at the problem before us, it only gets bigger and bigger, before long we have created our own “giants” which become obstacles to living the spirit-filled life. In Christ we have the victory we need over the “giants”, whether it be financial giants, relationship giants, past giants, insecure giants, lust giants, etc. In Christ we are more than conquerors. ”We can overcome by the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of our testimony…” (Rev. 12:11). “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). God is bigger than any problem you face.
Rather than looking at your problems, first, look back to God’s faithfulness in past times of trial. Remember, God said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you, so that we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is My Helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6). God sees your giants and is a giant slayer to those who trust in Him. Secondly, look forward to what God wants to do in your life and how He wants to set you free from worry and fear with victory over giants in your life. Thirdly, depend on the power of the Holy Spirit to help you, and by faith believe God will overcome the giants before you. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6)
After following these three steps, you will find that you see beyond the giants in your life to the grapes, which are the promises of God’s love, joy, peace, and His indwelling presence in your life. See you at the grape vine.
continue reading the views expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of Calvary Southampton
Leave a Reply