With the issue of the Covid-19 Pandemic going on, the story of Moses and the 12 spies in Numbers 13 and 14 keeps coming to my mind. The Israelites were being brought from Egypt to the Promise Land. Here they were. Pretty much at the door of Canaan, ready to go in. Moses picked 12 scouts, one from each of the tribes, to go and search out the land and give a report. All 12 spies saw the very same thing. No one denied anything – there was incredible land and food. And there were also…GIANTS. On that the 12 agreed.
10 of the spies went on and on with a negative account that stirred up incredible fear and panic in the people. 2 spies, Joshua and Caleb, did not deny that there were giants, but were convinced that God would help them. There was confidence and faith in their reaction to the same circumstance.
The spies witnessed the same scenario but perceived it differently. The response and recommendations that came from the two viewpoints could not have been more opposing.
And as the majority of the people were busy reacting in fear, God looked down from above and asked… “Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?” (14:18). The giants existed. But in reality, the Israelites had come upon even bigger giants in their past and experienced God’s hand of protection, healing, provision, rescue, and more.
Because of the response of Joshua and Caleb versus all of the others, they were the only ones that were allowed to enter into the promised land. God rewarded their faith, courage, and willingness to stand on the truth. They believed in the God of the impossible. They remembered His faithfulness to them over and over again up to this point.
Currently, I am reminded that I have a choice as to which report I am going to believe in regards to the Coronavirus Pandemic that has appeared to shut down society and our economy. I have been in many conversations where there is fear and panic at the foundation of belief systems. Our empty shelves in the grocery stores are a manifestation of what people are feeling within themselves. How is it that toilette paper is what people are hoarding? Who’s report was that? Truthfully though, I do understand that the unknown can be very scary when we don’t place God in our situations. But what will we gain from fear?
Today, even medical experts do not agree on the details of the Coronavirus. While I am not an expert on this infectious disease and the earthly seriousness of the issue, I am convinced that our response is to be like that of Joshua and Caleb. Yes, there is a giant. But, our God is bigger than the colossus Covid-19. God is a God of peace, order, provision, healing, protection, and more. He is faithful. He is the same as He was back then. And He will continue to be faithful. This is an opportunity for us to see Him do miracles in what is an unusual and challenging circumstance. This is our opportunity to share hope with those around us and lead with courage. Let’s take this time to focus on His promises of protection. With our focus and faith in HIM, we will surely conquer the giant we face today. Peace will be the outcome. Who’s report will you believe?
Who Told You That? 