The Power of Vision and the Cost of Unbelief: A Study of Vision and Doubt in Numbers 13 and 14 (Part 3)
Do you wake up each day with a sense of purpose, excited to take the next step on the journey God has laid out for you? Or do you fall into a routine of simply getting by, burdened by the "junk" life throws your way?
Remember the Israelites are standing at the edge of the Promised Land, ready to claim their inheritance? Yet, doubt and fear led them astray. In Part 1, we explored the power of a God-given vision to serve as a roadmap for our lives. Part 2 investigated the contrasting visions presented in Numbers 13-14, highlighting the importance of faith over fear.
Twelve chosen men were sent to “spy out” the land God promised Israel. Ten of those spies came back with a negative vision:
They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan” (Numbers 13:26-29).
But Caleb, one of the twelve spies, saw a very different image and confronts the negative vision:
Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30).
Look at the response of the ten scared spies:
But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them” (Numbers 13:31-33).
Do you see the contrasts between these two visions? Do you see how doubt spreads like cancer through God’s people? Keep in mind that Israel is going to the “PROMISED” land. Shouldn’t the fact that God has already given them this land factor into their attitude?
One vision seeks to maintain the status quo. The other vision challenges people to let go of safety and grab onto the promises of God!
How often do we encounter God's promises, only to have them overshadowed by the negativity we see in the world? Voices of doubt and dissent ravage our minds. The enemy reminds us of every failure. Friends feed us a diet of doubt, projecting their fears onto God’s promise. What do we do? I suggest you confront the doubt head-on.
Confronting Doubt
Doubt, like unwelcome guests, can linger in our hearts, whispering negativity and casting shadows on our vision. But remember, doubt doesn't have to define us. Here are some strategies to confront doubt and reclaim your faith:
Recognize the Source: Acknowledge the source of your doubt. Are they legitimate concerns or fueled by fear and negativity? Examining the source(s) can help you address them effectively. You’ll need help because we cannot see all our blind spots—you need a coach. (Check out my book GROW: A Self-Coaching Journal)
Seek God's Guidance: When doubt clouds your judgment, turn to prayer and scripture. Seek God's wisdom and allow His word to wash over you, dispelling the fog of uncertainty.
Surround Yourself with Faith: Connect with a supportive community of Christ followers who will encourage and uplift you. Sharing your doubts can offer valuable perspectives and strengthen your faith.
Taking Action
Faith without action is stagnant. Here are some ways to step out of your place of safety and embrace the journey toward your vision:
Start Small: Don't wait for a grand revelation to take the first step. Identify simple, actionable steps that align with your understanding of God's plan. Even small steps can build momentum and foster confidence.
Embrace New Experiences: Stepping outside your doubt can unlock hidden talents and open doors to unexpected opportunities. Explore volunteer opportunities, join a new group, or take a class that piques your interest. You never know where God might lead you.
View Challenges as Steppingstones: We all encounter challenges in life. Remember, these challenges can be opportunities for growth and refinement. Trust that God is using them to equip you for your purpose.
Let me recommend two powerful resources to help you deal with doubt and begin to move forward with God’s vision for your life:
“The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most” by Craig Groeschel
“Dwell on These Things: A Thirty-One-Day Challenge to Talk to Yourself Like God Talks to You” by John Stange
Embrace God’s Unfolding Journey for Your Life
Navigating doubt and pursuing God's vision is a lifelong journey. There will be moments of clarity and moments of uncertainty. But by actively seeking God's guidance, confronting doubt with faith, and taking consistent action, you move closer to claiming your Promised Land.
You are not alone on this journey. God is with you every step of the way, guiding and empowering you to fulfill your purpose. Embrace the adventure, trust in His plan, and confidently step into the life He has envisioned for you.
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