Facing the Giants of Life - Part 2

In life’s journey, cruel, bad things happen to good people because evil exists in the hearts and minds of those whose mission is to harm others. Justifiable punishment is right for those who perpetrate evil on the undeserving. Blaming others for our lack of achievement and failing to be accountable is often a defense for lack of courage and faith.

The majority of the men whom Moses sent to survey the land God promised believed Israel was incapable of taking it from the giants who possessed it. Listen to their exaggerated analysis. "The people living there are powerful giants and their cities are fortified and well defended." They believed God was incapable helping them, so they exaggerated the obstructions.

They blamed God for placing impossible barriers in their way and believed death awaited them if they engaged the giants who possess the land. They failed to trust in God's provision and protection. Whatever you’re facing, believe "you can do all things through Christ who will empower you to do what appears impossible." 

Facing the Giants of Life - Part 1

Opportunities will invariably include some obstructions. Obstructions are deterrents that can obscure success. The Hebrew people chose wandering the desert forty years rather than facing giants that possessed the land God had promised to give them. Fear prevented them from following God’s guidelines that would insure their success.

Refusing to take advantage of the opportunities God makes available demonstrates lack of courage to step out in faith and be accountable. Numbers 14 gives evidence of this process in action. Listen to the voice of protest and blame. "If only we had died in Egypt or in this desert. Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword?"

They cried out against exaggerated obstructions while rejecting God’s promise of victory. God's promises always embrace possibilities for victory. He does require that you be submissive to his directives and, with the faith he provides, confront the real or imagined giants. He will empower you with his strength, so victory is assured.

Overcome Obstructions: Submit to God - Part 2

What does the phrase, “time is of the essence,” mean to you? It implies an essential need to take immediate action. In Numbers 13 Moses sent a team of men to explore the promised land. Two brought back a good report encouraging Moses to immediately take possession of this rich land of opportunity. It was the moment to take delivery on what God provided.

However, obstructions consisting of fear and doubt gave loud voice to objections that resulted in forty years of wandering in the desert of poverty rather than enjoying the prosperity of a land filled with milk and honey. God's allowed Israel to sabotage a great opportunity by rejecting his perfect plan and timing.

It's hard to let go of what is known, yet God will ask us to do that. God expects us to be submissive to his leadership and to act accordingly. We will be held accountable for our choices. However, God’s love and goodness, his insight and wisdom, give us confidence to make changes that correspond to the opportunities he places before us.