To “try” carries risk. As we stare at the the task presented in front of us, we evaluate the possible outcomes.
How will I benefit from proceeding?
Why is it worth the investment?
What are the consequences if I succeed? ….if I fail?
What’s holding me back?
As we reflect on those questions, we cannot forget to listen to God’s voice as we discern.
And we cannot forget God’s promises as we leap forward.
“Is anything too hard for the LORD?” (Gen 18:14)
Yet, as we put a foot forward, the terrain in front of us looks daunting. How can I possible navigate through this?
Caleb was among a group sent by God to survey the land they were about to inhabit.
“When Moses sent them off to scout out Canaan, he said, “Go up through the Negev and then into the hill country. Look the land over, see what it is like. Assess the people: Are they strong or weak? Are there few or many? Observe the land: Is it pleasant or harsh? Describe the towns where they live: Are they open camps or fortified with walls? And the soil: Is it fertile or barren? Are there forests?” (Numbers 13:17-20)
The terrain didn’t keep them from going back. Their fears did.
Caleb interrupted, called for silence before Moses and said, “Let’s go up and take the land—now. We can do it.”
But the others said, “We can’t attack those people; they’re way stronger than we are.” They spread scary rumors among the People of Israel. They said, “We scouted out the land from one end to the other—it’s a land that swallows people whole. Everybody we saw was huge. Why, we even saw the Nephilim giants (the Anak giants come from the Nephilim). Alongside them we felt like grasshoppers. And they looked down on us as if we were grasshoppers.” (Numbers 13:30-33)
Caleb refused to be held back by the fearful voices surrounding him. He sought the voice of his God who sent them. As a result, the others missed out on God’s opportunities for them.
What are you being sent to try? Which of God’s promises will carry you forward?
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Love this! Did you know that the words “Do not be afraid” apparently appear in Scripture 365 times; one for each day. I don’t think that’s a coincidence at all. I’m in the 5 spot this week.
I’m not a grasshopper. I want to read a book with a friend, well try and I have no idea how it will work with us being far apart. Or at all since I’ve never done it before. I’m hoping God gives us time together and a chance to grow as friends. I’m really drawn to the verse you mentioned about land being pleasant or harsh. Not sure why. Thank you for sharing this. ❤️
We’re neighbors on fmf (I know you commented on my blog last week, so 🙋 again!)
Interesting question. I’m being called to give up homeschooling and let my child start public school. I’m working after 15 years of being a stay at home mom. I’m standing on the promise that God is with us and will not leave us or forsake us.
Thank you for your words. I appreciate it.
Hugs,
Melinda
(Your neighbor at FMF)
Voice is my word for the year and I appreciate this reminder that we need to choose which voice we’re listening to. The voice of doubt can be very loud at times but we need to listen to God’s voice above all else to have the confidence and faith to move ahead.
It is so important to listen to God’s voice. Thank you for reminding me. I relate so well to Moses. I love readind and hearing about him, especially when it it is so well written like your post.
Thank you Mareedee.
I love the way you developed this, Stephanie, and the Scripture choices are perfect.
And the heading photo! It reminds me of the places I used to go running, back in the day.
#1 at FMF this week.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/08/your-dying-spouse-345-embracing-fear-fmf.html
Wow Stephanie! The courage to leap forward into what God has set out before us is so exciting! Currently my try is getting back into more study of His word and blogging again. I am in the midst of my journey into what God has called me to do. I moved to Michigan almost two months ago t work in a ministry. We have seen God work in amazing ways while we have taken this leap. They aren’t all lightening fast, but He is moving.
Thank you for the wonderful post. I am going to keep your words in mind. I am not a grasshopper. 🙂
Kelly, how exciting to see what God’s revealing! Where in Michigan? I’m originally from the Grand Rapids area.