Inevitably, trouble will invade our lives: A bad report from a medical
test, the betrayal of a trusted friend, a child who rejects us, or a spouse who
leaves us. The list of possibilities is long, but there are only two options:
forge ahead on our own, or turn to God.
Flying solo into the face of trouble is not a good idea. It can lead to
bad behavior patterns, blaming God, and retreating into defeat. Like the
Israelites, we may spin out of control and into despair (Num. 14:1-4).
When the majority of the spies brought a report of intimidating giants
and dangers ahead, they used the pronoun “we” seven times with no reference to
the Lord (13:31-33). The Israelites were on the cusp of the ultimate blessing
that God promised to them. They were eyewitnesses to the miracles in Egypt and
their feet had walked the dry bottom of the Red Sea in jaw-dropping victory.
God’s faithfulness had been amazingly evident. What short memories! What
disappointing faithlessness! Sadly, they turned their backs on God and left the
blessing behind.
Caleb and Joshua, on the other hand, opted to turn to the Lord with this
confidence: “The Lord is with
us” (14:9). When your giants show up, what will you do?
God’s presence is a life preserver that keeps
the soul from sinking in a sea of trouble. (RBC)
