In Numbers 13-14 we read the account of the spies going into the promised land. At this point in Israel's history, they have been supernaturally delivered out of bondage in Egypt by God's mighty hand. They have God dwelling in their camp, leading them with His manifest glory by a cloud in the day and a pillar of fire by night. They have an unshakable promise of a land flowing with milk and honey and a God who will fight their battles for them.

So spies are sent to scout out the land, but they "bring a bad report," not of the land, but of their fear and unbelief which belittles God. "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are" (13:31). The people respond, "Why is the Lord bringing us into this land to fall by the sword?...would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?" (14:3-4). This is how unbelief "talks." "Why God!?! You are not good to us! You are not able to do what you have said! Your plan is not better! O how much better are the pleasures of sin and comforts of the world!" This kind of unbelief only leads to God's judgment and to forty years of wandering outside the promised blessings of God. 

But Joshua and Caleb encouraged the people, "The land is exceedingly good. If the Lord delights in us, HE WILL bring us into this land and give it to us...Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land...their protection is removed from them and the Lord IS WITH US; do not fear them" (14:7-9). This is how faith "talks." By faith we know that God is greater than any obstacles, stronger than any enemies, and that He delights in us as His children. By faith we obey and do not rebel because we trust the Lord more than our wisdom. 

Saints, today are you focused on your circumstances or God's promises? Are you looking at the size of your enemies or the size of your God? Are you looking back at the pleasures of your old life in Egypt or looking forward to the infinite pleasures of Christ's kingdom in the very presence of God? Do you fear horizontally more than you fear vertically? Fear the Lord and you'll have nothing to fear ever again! Beware of unbelief and live by faith today.

"Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God." - Hebrews 3:12