Numbers 13:30

New International Version

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.”

For Encouragement

They went on a mission: to explore the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey and to bring back a report. God said it was a prosperous land,. The harsh days in the desert had left them wondering, and God understood their need for encouragement, so He instructed Moses to send scouts to survey the land and report back (Nu. 13:17-20).

Twelve men left for the mission. Ten observed things with their natural eyes, while two observed through the eyes of faith.

They all saw right. The land flowed with milk and honey, and they brought a cluster of grapes only two people could carry on a pole for evidence (v.23). God knows how to display His glorious blessings in fulfillment of His magnanimous promises.

However, the scouts saw more than the overflowing riches of the land. The land’s inhabitants lived in fortified cities with mighty armies of renowned giants. They could not overthrow those people, for they were too powerful (v.31). With that report, they discouraged the people.

Joshua and Caleb, despite seeing the same people and conditions as the ten did, were of a different spirit. Battle-tested, matured, and Spirit-filled, they were eager as the ten gave the discouraging report and shut the door on the people possessing the land God had promised them (v.33). So Caleb boldly proclaimed,

 “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (30).

The voice of faith! It stood on the power and faithfulness of Yahweh, who promised the land to their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. With Him leading the conquest, what could stand against them? This is the power of faith (cf. Rom. 8:31-32).

When the ten dissenters incited a riot, Caleb and Joshua spoke again, encouraging them to look beyond the giants and fortresses and trust the Lord for victory (Nu. 14:8-9). This is the life of faith, a life filled with hope and optimism (2 Cor. 5:7). 

The eye of faith sees the possibilities of God and what He has accomplished already on behalf of His people. It sees the enemy stripped of his strength as the Lord marches with His servants (Nu. 14: 9; Psa. 114:1-8).

So, take heart, saint of the Most High! Your challenges are real and daunting, but you serve a living and faithful God who is Almighty and delights to favor you (2 Chron. 16:9).

Every decision you make has two voices screaming for your favor — the voice of faith and that of the flesh. Trust in His sovereignty and providential hand and decide by faith (Zech. 4:7). 

Pray with Me

Lord, if you have said it, I believe it, regardless of the circumstances. I pray that you give me the boldness and resilience to continue to trust you, until you show up for me. In Christ I stand by the power of the Holy Spirit for your glory. Amen.