We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we. (Numbers 13:31 NKJV)

What do you do when God’s clearly called you to take a step of faith? You’ve heard God’s call. He’s even confirmed it for you. So, you start to move your foot forward. But then you hesitate. And you doubt.

The outcome is unknown. You can’t see how it will all work out. It looks scary. It’ll be hard. And you wonder: What will others think? What will they say?

Then you pull your foot back. And you don’t move forward with God’s calling.

I hope that’s not what you would do. But that’s what the Israelites did the first time they got close to the promised land. They sent twelve spies into the land to see what it was like (Numbers 13:1–20). And ten of those spies came back with a bad report.

The land devours its inhabitants. (Numbers 13:32)

We saw giants. (Numbers 13:33)

We were like grasshoppers compared to them. (Numbers 13:33)

They’re stronger than we are. (Numbers 13:31)

Although the other two spies, Caleb and Joshua, tried to encourage the people to go into the land (Numbers 13:30, 14:6–9), the people didn’t listen. Not only did they not listen, but they also wanted to stone them (Numbers 14:10).

The Israelites knew God wanted them to take a step of faith. But they didn’t do it. They chickened out.

As a result, what happened? Except for Joshua and Caleb, that generation of Israelites never went into the promised land. They missed out on God’s blessing and plan for them. And if you decide not to take your step of faith, you’ll miss out on God’s blessing, too.

Of course, God didn’t abandon them. While they wandered in the desert, God gave them manna to eat (Exodus 16:35). He guided them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Nehemiah 9:19). Their clothes didn’t even wear out (Deuteronomy 8:4).

And He won’t abandon you either. As His son or daughter, He will never leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). That’s what He’s promised, and God always keeps His promises.

But there will be consequences. You won’t get to enjoy all that God has planned for you. You’ll miss out on being a part of the work that He wants to do in and through your life.

So, take that step of faith. Don’t look at the giants. Instead, keep your eyes on Jesus as you walk by faith with Him.

Photo by Sorin Gheorghita on Unsplash