The Numbers 13 and 14

Many times life here and now is challenging for us and extremely challenging for many others. We can easily feel overwhelmed by our personal and community circumstances when we look at how our goals can be accomplished using only "our" resources, physical strength, intellectualism, craftiness, or our ability to manipulate others. When we fail to see what God can do when we truly and continually line ourselves up with His will for our lives, we can get depressed that there are too many problems, inequities, injustices for us grasshoppers.

When we are humbled and are more willing to "allow" Him to direct our steps in all matters, and when we see opportunities in the challenges, we are more likely to say, believe, and adhere to "wherever He leads, I'll go".

From Numbers 13 and 14, below are some quick summaries worth pondering for how this Old Testament account can serve as a guidepost to us in our present circumstance. May God grant us a greater level of trust in Him and obedience to His Word, as we navigate into and through the challenges opportunities He has granted us in this season of our lives.

Numbers 13:1-20 – A very specific plan is given by God to do such and such. The human leader for this project gives voice to the plan.

Numbers 13:21-24 – Obedience occurs in following the plan.

Numbers 13:25-27 – Reports confirm that opportunities exist if we advance.

Numbers 13:28-29 – "It's too hard"

Numbers 13:30 – But we are well able and opportunity is good

Numbers 13:31-14:6 – 'We can't do it', 'Boo Hoo', 'It's too hard', we need a new leader

Numbers 14:7-9 – But it's good and the Lord will provide it. Be strong to the Lord and do not fear the people

Numbers 14:10-12 – The people are fickle; have they forgotten recent past blessings?

Numbers 14:13-45 – Oh.... But go read Joshua 21:43-45 sometime.

Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Christian Ponder has been a resident of Lake Wales since 2001. He enjoys living in Lake Wales with his wife and two children.