Faith to Enter the Promised Land | Numbers 13-14

Welcome to Real Life. Have you ever felt stuck? You don’t like where you are. But, you’re too afraid to move forward.

Israel is stuck. They had made incredible progress. With God’s strength, they escaped slavery in Egypt and crossed the desert. But, then, on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, they hesitate, fearful of what lies ahead. So, they decide to send in twelve men to spy out the land.

Their report: The land is lush, flowing with milk and honey. BUT … the people are giants! They’ll squash us like grasshoppers.”

Only two spies, Caleb and Joshua, exude confidence, “Let’s go in. With God on our side, we can take ‘em.”

But, the people can’t shake the negative report. Fear has taken hold. They hate the desert, yet

lack the faith to enter the land. They grumble, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! Why is the Lord bringing us to this land to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken plunder.”

They have forgotten. This is the land God promised them. God always delivers on his promises. Egypt out-powered them, until God crippled the nation with ten plagues. The desert was uninhabitable, yet God miraculously provided food, water, and protection for their wilderness journey. God is on their side. They can’t fail. This is already Israel’s land. It’s a done deal—regardless of what stands in their way.

But, fear wins. The people rebel. They plot to kill Moses and choose a new leader to guide them back to Egypt. God punishes this rebellion by sentencing them to wander forty more years in the desert they detest (one year for each day the spies were in the land). This generation will die in the desert. Their children will enter the Promised Land.

Facing forty more years in the desert, the people attempt to enter the land without God. They attack the Amalekites and fail miserably. They’re chased back to their desert camp with their tails between their legs.