Where can we go up? Our brethren have discouraged our hearts. The people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great and fortified up to heaven; moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there. (Deuteronomy 1:28)
It is both compelling and sad to think that “our brethren” could be the ones to discourage us, and yet, that is the testimony of those who refused to go into the land. The report brought by the ten spies was not inaccurate in that it truthfully described what lay before them. Nevertheless, their report was voiced in such a way that it robbed the people of any confidence and courage to do what God had called them to do. So then, let us consider that, once again, the Bible provides for us a pattern of what can happen if we’re not careful.
I say that for this reason; when we look at what is happening in the world and what the Bible has to say about the end times, it is easy to get overly focused on the negative aspects of the future. The problem with that is, whatever we are focused on is what we tend to fear and revere, and consequently, how we respond to our circumstances. If we are focused on the Almighty and His promises, we will respond accordingly. If we are wringing our hands in anticipation of things that are coming upon the earth, it might cause us to react out of fear and dread of those things — or as Messiah said, “Men’s hearts failing them for fear” (Luke 21:26).
Considering this, it is extremely important that we be the kind of believer who encourages our brethren, not discourages. It’s one thing to discuss and even elaborate upon what is coming upon the world, but it is another to become so obsessed with it that one goes into “survival” mode. Frankly, we are not challenged to be survivors but over comers, meaning we must possess the courage to face the giants that are in our path. As Moses told Israel then, we are not to fear or be discouraged by the obstacles but believe that God will go before us that we might defeat our enemies. So whatever comes, let us face it, confront it and, with the help of God, overcome it and “possess the land.”
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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