By Chan
Numbers 13:25-33 (CEB) (Click link for full scripture)
If you’re an 80’s baby like me, grew up in Georgia, and listened to hip hop then you’re familiar with Bonecrusher’s wonderful rap anthem “I Ain’t Never Scared.” Shout out to the Eastside, Westside, Southside, and Northside and all the DSGBs and DGGGs! It’s easy to sing the chorus of that rap talking about, “I ain’t never scared,” but it’s harder walking it out in real life. Although Bonecrusher’s rap is energizing and invigorating, is a bald-face LIE. Fact is, We ALL get scared, and NO ONE is never scared.
In Numbers 13:25-33, God instructed Moses to send 12 leaders (one from each tribe) to go into the Canaan (aka the Promised Land) to check it out. Remember, God had already assured the Israelites She was giving Canaan to them, and that She would be with them in their battle. The goal of the Israelites deliverance from slavery in Egypt was to lead them Canaan. So, Moses’ directive to inspect the land, the people, and the crops and bring back a report should have been encouraging.
However, 11 of the 12 leaders who ventured into Canaan returned scared … and I mean scared scared. Although the land itself was beautiful flowing with milk, honey, and fruit, those 11 leaders focused on the enormity of the walls, and the strength and power of the Amalekites who lived there. In their minds taking Canaan was a no-go. It’s as if they completely forgot that God told them the land was theirs for the taking. Keep in mind these are the same people who watched Moses use his rod to part a sea, and watched God drown Pharaoh’s mega army in that sea. Yet, they were sorely afraid of possessing the land that God told them was already theirs.
But there was a leader named Caleb, who did not allow his fear to divert his faith. All you need is one person with the fortitude to stare into the face of fear and adversity and declare the promises of God. Caleb was that one. He was sent to inspect Canaan with the other 11. He looked in the face of the 11 other leaders and all the Israelites and told them that they must go and take possession of the land because they were more than able to do it. Why? Because they had the living God on their side. Caleb stood firm in God’s infinite power and abilities. We all can use a Caleb in our lives, someone to encourage us to keep going towards God’s promises despite our circumstances. Caleb believed in God more than any fear that tried the well up in him. Despite the others wanting to stone them for speaking the truth and encouraging the Israelites to fight and take Canaan, Caleb and Joshua knew the Lord was with them (v.5-9). They stood firm in God’s word.
Maybe you’re like the naysayers and even though God has given you a promise, you are looking at your focus on your circumstances and adversities makes that promise seems impossible. Well, let me remind you that if God is for you, who shall be against you (Romans 8:31). In other words, when you go into a battle or a new land with God on your side, you are guaranteed to win. Don’t be like the Israelites and allow your doubts and fears to cause you to forfeit your promise land. Because of their grumbling, the Israelites did not enter Canaan, had to wander the wilderness for 40 years, and died there. What dreams and promises have your fears caused you to forfeit? What purposes have been delayed because of your reluctance to step out on faith in spite of your circumstances?
God is the same today, yesterday, and forevermore (Hebrews 13:8). The same God who brought you out of that “thing” the last time, and the time before then (remember that thing), will bring you into your promised land, your Canaan. When face with adversity, remind yourself of the victories God has given you over past battles and struggles. As Tye Tribbett so wonderfully stated in his gospel song “if he did before, he’ll do it again, same God right now, same God back then.”
There is no such thing as “never scared.” We all are afraid of something. However, our fears should not outweigh our faith in God’s promises. Did Caleb have any fears? I’m sure he did, but he remembered God’s power. He remembered the Red Sea parting before their eyes, walking on dry ground with walls of water surrounding them, and their enemies drowning. He remembered God speaking to the children of Israel (through Moses) stating that She would free them from slavery, coming through on Her promise. Caleb understood that when God speaks, things happen. If God speaks that She will do something, it will come to pass. God delivered the Israelites from slavery, parted seas, fed them manna and quail from heaven when they were hungry, and gave them water from a rock when they were thirsty. God can do anything! Trust in God’s promises more than your fear, and watch Her work.
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