1 TIMOTHY 3:16-17

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us...God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work."

Sunday, July 10, 2011

DEUTERONOMY - It's Scary Out There!

"It’s scary out there!"

Ever felt that way?

Picture yourself with Moses and the Israelites. Here they are at the edge of the Promised Land. They have been successfully and miraculously rescued from slavery in Egypt, and led through the great and terrifying wilderness. God has been with them every step of the way.

God has proven faithful.

And yet, Moses decides to send out scouts.

I don't think this was his original plan.

Moses had said, "You have now reached the hill country of the Amorites that the LORD our God is giving us. Look! He has placed the land in front of you. Go and occupy it as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has promised you. Don't be afraid! Don't be discouraged!"

Plan A.

But the Israelites came to him and asked that scouts be sent out to explore the land –figuring "they will advise us on the best route to take…"

Plan B, maybe?

So, Moses sent out twelve scouts, one from each tribe. Upon their return, they reported that the land was a good land.

But…(why is it that there’s always a "but" when it comes to the Israelites?)

The people rebelled against the command of the LORD and refused to go in.

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" tells us what they said:

"'The LORD must hate us. That's why he brought us here from Egypt – to hand us over to the Amorites to be slaughtered. Where can we go? Our brothers have demoralized us with their report. They tell us, 'The people of the land are taller and more powerful than we are…We even saw giants there – the descendants of Anak!'" (Deuteronomy 1:27-28)

The people had concluded that the land was not worth the obstacles. They were afraid and decided not to enter.

Do you ever feel like that?

I sure do.

As I walk along my life's journey, God has proved Himself faithful, over and over. He's rescued me from the slavery to sin. He's led me through the wilderness. And yet, when He brings me to the brink of a breakthrough, a growth period, a time of testing – I balk.

He promises the Promised Land – and He promises to help me conquer it.

But…(why is it that there's always a "but" when it comes to me?)

I stop, I look around, I get scared – I only see the obstacles – I focus on the difficulty and the fear – and I do not go in.

God gives us the power to overcome our obstacles, but all too often we let difficulties control our lives. We become fearful and immobile when we focus on the negative aspects of a situation.

"It's scary out there."

Moses had quite a comeback for the Israelites. I hear him saying it to me:

"'Don't be shocked or afraid of them! The LORD your God is going ahead of you. He will fight for you…you saw how the LORD your God cared for you all along the way as you traveled through the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Now he has brought you to this place.'" (verses 29-31)

This is what I forget.

God has gone before me – and He will guide me every step of the way.

I am not facing anything in my life by accident. Whenever I come up against "scary new territory" I must remember this – God has brought me to this place.

He is on my side.

I can trust His direction and His promises. I can rely on His presence and power.

Fear does not need to rob me of the victory.

I must move out in faith – courageous, overcoming faith.

And God will provide even that…


Are there any "giants of Anak" in your life?


(Linked today with Charlotte and Ginger at Spiritual Sundays, and Peggy at Soaking On SONday. Please feel free to hop on over to my other blog during the week - Sharon Sharing God)


"When in doubt, search God out!"

5 comments:

  1. Blessings Sharon,

    Well, the rain has stopped and it looks like I have internet service for a bit, so we'll see if I can post a comment or so.

    Not one comment here... no one came...Now this is a bit scary... have we been raptured, and I was Left Behind? oh drats...

    So much lies ahead of us, and so much left behind us, including any fear... with much hope for the Promised Land. "fear does not need to rob us of the victory" but it does and it is...
    a BIG obstacle. I don't even recognize it. I just know that for some reason I am immobilized and don't tread on scorpions very well.

    I too like you have been through the desert, the wilderness and on the brink of so many promised lands but BONK... disaster hits, and I tremble.
    (not really tremble...)nor do I balk... I think I look for God and when I don't see a visible sign, something tangible, I think... no, this must not be the way I should go or I plunge head first not being cautious or wise... little discernment here, but plenty of impulsiveness.
    (Shame on me)! I like your conclusion but easier said than done, my friend... faith takes courage. Faith can move mountains. But too often I find myself like the ant... that can't move a rubber tree plant, but he's got high hopes...

    Ya' know... I'm never sure who or what are my GIANTS except in hind site, which too often is too late to save me from another mess. My faith has been stretched to enormous limits in the last 15 yrs. or more, but I still linger as I look toward and move forward to the Promised Land. I do what I can... and than it's all high hopes. I guess I just leave it in the hands of the One who guides me, or calls me, or takes hold of me with encouragement and says,

    "Come. Walk. One step at a time. One day. One mountain or even just one molehill. You can do it! You may be weary, leary and not so cleary... but I'm right here, trust Me... I hold the victory and the keys, the plan and I'm the Man, the only One who can, do the impossible. Step out. Serve! Move! My Spirit goes before You, just lean and learn. There you go... "

    Love and peace,
    Peggy

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  2. Amen to Sharon and Peggy. I've learned to trust in my God - I thought. He has seen me through so many surgeries and spared my life twice and once again I may be facing surgery. Thanks for reminding me that God is with me everyday of my life and if I have to do this "thing" again He will be right there with me, praise His Holy name. He will bring me through the fire again.
    In fact, He just did, by being with my husband through a very serious surgery. God forgive me.
    Love you, Sharon, AE

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  3. Always an Anak awaiting slaying! Always a trust to grow. Just when we think we're in the clear, another mountain appears to replace the last one. As you well pointed out... if we could just remember God's faithfulness from the last one!

    peace~elaine

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  4. Human nature has not changed in these thousands of years. We can learn many lessons from the Israelites. Thank you for sharing this one.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  5. Dear ones,

    I really cannot tell you how much your words encouraged me. So often my posts are written because I am the one who needs to hear the words. I sometimes talk a great talk, but the walk is a little (a lot) less steady. There are some giants in my life right now - and I'm not feeling like I can slay any of them, let alone even stand in their presence. (Faith does take courage, Peggy - I agree). And fear is such a giant in my life. Oh dear.

    I can only remind myself - that God is with me, He is on my side, He is fighting the enemies (the fears) that threaten me.

    He is the Giant Slayer - and He won the battle with a wooden cross.

    AMEN TO TRUTH!

    GOD BLESS!

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"So I have been greatly encouraged in the midst of my troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives me new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How I thank God for you!"
(1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!