God With Us
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, when I look at the growing trouble in our world, and it appears that evil and sin are increasing, I begin to lose perspective. Remind me of your promise that you are always with me, and you will never turn away.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
REFLECT:
There are giants in the land, at least that’s what people are saying! When God led his people to enter the Promised Land under Moses leadership, 10 of the 12 spies sent, came back with a report that the cities were impregnable. Even worse was the report that there were giants in the land, making conquest impossible. The Children of God revolted against Moses because that report elicited fear in the Israelites. We should believe the biblical account that indeed there were some huge people living in The Promised Land. But what should catch our eye is the perspective that divided the opinions of the eyewitnesses.
Ten spies believed it better live out their days and die in the wilderness, rather than to meet a certain death at the hands of a giant people in the land. They compared themselves to giants who made conquest an impossible task. They felt small and insignificant in their own eyes because they were comparing their smallness to huge giants. Of greater interest was the minority report of Joshua and Caleb. Take a look at their testimony: 8 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will take us there and give us that rich and fertile land. 9 Do not rebel against the Lord and don't be afraid of the people who live there. We will conquer them easily…” Numbers 14: 8-9 GNT
How could Joshua and Caleb exude such confidence and an unwavering courage to battle giants! They undoubtedly saw these colossal beings as well, but in their hearts and minds, giants pale in comparison to Almighty God! They knew that with God’s continued presence and leadership, no task is too gigantic to undertake! God was their point of reference. God has promised that he would continually abide with his children. For the Jesus Follower, that means his Holy Spirit’s presence in us: “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth…” John 14: 15-17 GNT
APPLY:
What is the giant or giants that you are facing in your life as you walk with Jesus today? Write down your number one, greatest, challenge and then offer it to God, asking him to lead you to victory over it. Then thank him for his Comforter who strengthens you in the fight to gain victory!
CLOSING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, help us to live out the words of today's scripture in each and every day. Amen.