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

Why is it sometimes scary to take hold of a promise? Especially if it is something God has told you about and prepared you for it? The Israelites faced this fear about a year after leaving Egypt.

Caleb and Joshua, along with 10 men, were charged with scouting out the promised land. When they came back, Caleb and Joshua were ready to take hold of the promise. They shared a glowing report. The others, however, couldn’t get past how strong the people appeared and how fortified the cities were. They gave a negative report so the people wept, voiced their sorrows and decided they should go back to Egypt.

What kept the Israelites from taking hold of what God had laid before them? Fear and lack of faith. The 10 scouts reported, The land we passed through to explore is one that devours its inhabitants, and the people we saw in it are men of great size… To ourselves we seemed like grasshoppers, and we must have seemed the same to them. (Numbers 13:32). The dramatic nature of their report caused the people to threaten to stone Caleb and Joshua, who encouraged them to press forward.

I wonder how many times I have let fear and lack of faith keep me from taking hold of a promise. Years ago, I prayed for God to release me from my “Egypt.” For 8 years the answer was “No.” But, one day, the answer was “Yes.” 

At that moment, fear tumbled in and I was tempted to not step out. Many questions poured out, “Will I be able to…” “What will happen with...” “What about…” “I’m not sure I’m brave enough to...”

To my fears He said, “Trust Me.” I knew if I let fear take hold and did not move forward, it meant disobedience and I wasn’t trusting Him. I had to take the first step into His promise.

God loves placing us in positions where we have to make a choice to fear or have faith. Your promised land is waiting for the first step of trusting obedience. Have faith! 

Johna Clemons