”Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."
Numbers 14:9New International Version (NIV)
Numbers 14:9 Devotional
Do not rebel against the LORD and do not be afraid of the people
Do not rebel against the LORD and do not be afraid of the people (Numbers 14:9) were the words of Joshua and Caleb to the Israelites. These were among the twelve spies who had gone into the Promised Land to spy on it.
From the duo’s words, obedience and faith emerge as the two critical success factors in the season of possessing God’s promises, which means that faith is the opposite of fear. And fear will be where there is no faith.
Additionally, fear involves focusing on the obstacles whereas faith focuses on God who can overcome the obstacles. That’s why the Israelites chose not to trust God. They chose to fear the people of the land instead.
Over and over in Scripture, God commands us not to fear. He frequently uses the words “do not fear”. And this is because we are susceptible to fear.
God’s love
But God’s love is our help. It casts out fear (1 John 4:18). And we are able to walk in obedience to Him.
Therefore, obedience is the genuine way of faith. It will enable you to see your trials (challenges and enemies) as consumables, provision, motivation, and opportunity. Obedience and victory go together, for obedience is the guarantee of victory. It is the secret of facing your trials (giants) on the backbone of the power (of the Spirit working) in you (Ephesians 3:20 and 2 Timothy 1:7). That is why you need not be afraid of challenges or opposition.
The fact that the Lord is with you, should enable you to overcome your fear of opposition or challenges and pursue God’s promise or possession for you. The same should also assure you that the opposition cannot stand against you because God is with you.
Prayer
Lord, I choose to fear not. May Your Spirit have His way in me. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Blessing
May you believe that the Lord is with you as you possess His promises. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Ezekiel 10-13 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
