My sweaty hands gripped the rope while my pounding heart drowned out the smiling zip-line operator’s voice. I peered down from the platform and gazed at the minuscule people and trees. Do I have courage to leap off the platform? The operator assured me every piece of equipment was triple checked for safety. Do I trust the zip-line operators who checked these ropes, belts, and harnesses to prevent me from falling to my death?
Who do you trust when faced with fear?
The story of the journey of the Israelites to the Promised Land is an excellent example of what not to do when afraid of the unknown.
Wandering in the wilderness
God established a covenant with Abraham whereby his descendants were God’s chosen people to inhabit Canaan, the Promised Land (Genesis 17:1-8).
God provided for all their needs as Moses led the Israelites out of slavery from Egypt to the Promised Land.
- Safety–He parted the Red Sea for an escape from the Egyptian soldiers (Exodus 14:26-28).
- Water—He supplied water when they were thirsty (Exodus 17:5-7).
- Food—He sent manna and quail when they were hungry (Exodus 16:13-16).
- Direction—He guided them through the desert by a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21-22).
When the Israelites arrived to take possession of the land God had promised to Abraham, God directed Moses to send a team of twelve to explore and report back.
When the men returned from the scouting expedition ten of them gave a negative report reflecting their unbelief in God’s promises, “‘We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them’” (Numbers 13:33, NIV).
Two of the explorers, Joshua and Caleb, said the land was “exceedingly good” (Numbers 14:6-8) and spoke confidently of God’s faithfulness. But the people feared the unknown, preferring to go back to Egypt to a life of slavery instead of trusting God’s promises (Numbers 14:1-4).
Therefore, God struck down the ten men who gave the bad report and sent the Israelites to wander in the desert until all the adults had died (Numbers 14:28-35). Of all the adults who left Egypt with Moses, only the two explorers, Joshua and Caleb, lived to see the fulfilled promises of God.
Similar to my fear of the unknown during my first zip-line experience, the Israelites were fearful. They felt inadequate to take the leap to claim possession of the land God promised. They forgot God’s promises, protection, and past provision.
I wonder why the Israelites were so foolish and shortsighted. Why did God’s chosen and holy people feel like inconsequential tiny grasshoppers after everything God had done for them?
We are no different
Sadly, I realize I am no different from the Israelites. I worry about my problems. I fear God is not there to protect me or give me the strength and courage to do what He asks of me. Instead of being grateful for all my blessings, I envy others. Therefore, I am as foolish as the Israelites.
It’s so easy to disregard God’s promises in His Word when confronted with insurmountable difficulties. We lose sight of what God has done in the past and do not trust him with our future. We forget we have God’s spirit within us as our source of strength and courage.
How do we focus on God when faced with fear?
Focus on God’s promises
Focusing on our problems takes our focus off God’s promises.
God affirms to be with us always, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV).
God freed the Israelites from bondage and sent them to travel to an unknown land. Though they were slaves in Egypt, things were familiar there and they wanted to return. They focused on their fear of unknown people and unfamiliar places instead of God’s promise to be with them (Exodus 23:20-33).
Focus on God’s provision
Focus on how God has provided and protected, rather than focusing on our present circumstances. Be reassured He promises to watch over us “both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:7-8).
The Israelites focused on their familiar lives as slaves in Egypt instead of how God had provided for them during their journey. Because of this distrust and unbelief, they wandered in the desert for 38 years.
Focus on God’s power
We will have the courage to do what God asks if we depend on the power of the Holy Spirit inside of us. Begin by recognizing the sovereignty of God every day, in His creation. Trust in Him, not our human power.
As scripture states, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3, NIV).
The Israelites encountered God’s power many times, yet they still did not trust Him. As a result, their worry, fear, and distrust kept them from relying on God.
By the way, I finally trusted the zip-line operators. After a deep breath, I took the leap off the platform and experienced flying through the treetops. Can I take the same leap of faith to trust God today? Will you?
Thank you for your blog. So often I focus on my circumstances instead of God’s promises and guidance. He’s always there waiting for communion with us all we need to do is call his name and he will listen. What a faithful and loving God we have.
Thank you for your comment Jeanette. That is so true! God is trustworthy and faithful to keep His promises.
I too have seen my journey as one similar to the Israelites. I’m excited about being called to cross over into then promised land of eternity. Until then like Joshua and Caleb, to be faithful to fight the good fight.
Darla, thanks for reading and for your comment. I appreciate it so much! Caleb did not make an appearance too often in scripture, but he was faithful until the end. A good role model for us.