One of the Two

The Israelites have been delivered from the hands of the Egyptians with what can only be described as the power of God.  They have had manna rain from the skies, and were guided by a pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night.  God's hand was all over the place from the exit out of Egypt to here, the doorstep of the promised land, Canaan.

Two and a half years after leaving Egypt they are ready to enter Canaan.  Moses sends 12 spies in to explore the land.  Moses wanted to know if the people were strong or weak, few or many.  Were the towns walled or not?  How was the land and fruit?

The 12 spend 40 days in the land of Canaan.  They bring back a branch of grapes that 2 of them have to carry, along with pomegranates and figs.  It is everything God has told them and so much more.  Yet all they concentrate on are the seemingly overwhelming number and size of the people.

10 spies come back and give a bad report to Moses.  They say there is no way to overcome the obstacles in Canaan.  They forget all that God has done for them so far, and that He was true to His word about the land of abundance.  Not only do they give a negative report to Moses, they make sure that everyone in camp know it, too.

Joshua and Caleb were the only spies to have faith that their God could and would deliver on His promise.  Their faith is rewarded by being the only 2 of the 12 allowed to enter the land, and the nation would wander the wilderness for another 37 and a half years.

So with everything going on in my life right now, this is the story that God keeps bringing to mind.  Knowing the potential hardships that could be coming, I do not want to be content simply asking God to take care of my needs.  He has proven too often that He will do just that.  I want to know if I am one of the two.  Do I have that kind of faith?  I want faith that, when outnumbered by my enemies, says, "BRING IT ON!  I've got God on my side.  What can you do to me!?"

Maybe that's what God is trying to grow in me.  I know that He always has a purpose for our pain, if we choose to use it.  Joshua and Caleb were allowed to enter the promised land, but they did not get in right away.  It may be awhile coming, the road may get rocky and and steep, but He will deliver us, and the journey will be worth it.