Surrounded By Giants

 I took this snapshot while on video call a month or so ago and had the thought hit me "Surrounded by Giants" as I looked at the grass around me. 

Numbers 13:17-33 

The Israelites are standing at the edge of the Promised land, the land God promised to give them for their own, ready to reap the blessings and the treasures that lay in the land of Canaan. 

The 12 spies returned from exploring the land with a glowing report......the fruit was large and plentiful and the land indeed “flowed with milk and honey”.  When they returned, they reported that the land was just as God had promised but they observed that there were problems in the land as well....the people were powerful, the cities    were protected and there were even giants in the land. Their observations led to negative.... we can’t attack these people.... which led everyone to believe all the people are giants and for them to just forget the whole thing and go back to Egypt.  

Canaan in the Old Testament is a type of the kingdom of God, God’s rest and the peace found in His presence. The promise of the kingdom of God is given to every believer......but how often do we get right up to the edge of God’s peace, staring at the fruit of His rest, only to back away because of the giants living there. 

How many come right up to the edge of salvation, get a glimpse of the joy others express, feel the conviction of the Spirit in their hearts but pull away because the giant of the world calls louder to them.

How many come up to the edge of walking in total obedience to God, seeing the blessings of a joyful life and the rewards. But decide that the price is too costly and the time too demanding. 

It wasn’t the giants in the land that made them complain and grumble against God, neither is it the obstacles in our own Christian life that keep us from a fulfilling walk with Christ, it is the giants in the heart......the giants of unbelief, of fear and of complacency that really keep us from enjoying God’s peace and presence. 

Every Promised Land has its giants, every blessing has its challenges. When the rich man asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus answered, “Keep God’s commandments and sell all you have and come follow me.” 

The blessing of eternal life was met by the challenge of getting his priorities in order. 

He'll Cast None Aside!!

 I have in the past had the wind taken from my sails. There were times because of the hurt and disappointment that I just wanted to bail out on this thing called life and just watch it pass by.

I also believe that everyone has had an area in their life that has been hurt, cracked, or bruised.

That's because we are human! Abraham was like that, Moses was like that and so was Elijah, David, Simon Peter and all the Apostles.

If you're confused, broken, or hurting it's all right to be honest with God and admit it. It's ok to say, God, things are out of control. I've been hurt and still hurting. I've been slandered and betrayed. Or I've just blown it.

Dad, it's all right that you're not Superman! Mom, it's all right that you're not Wonder Woman! The good news is, there's more than a Superman available to help me. There is a Supernatural man available to help you. And His grace, power, and ability to restore your life are greater than my weaknesses and failures!

Paul said in 2 Corinthians that there would be times we would be overwhelmed, crushed, and almost snuffed out. But if you remain Faithful during the hurting times, the times of trouble you'll be able to minister to the needs of others.

You can't relate to hurting people if you've never been touched by adversity. That's why Jesus suffered. He suffered so He could fully identify with our shortcomings.

Hebrews 2:17-18

For this reason, he had to be like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God........18...Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Jesus, our example, led the way. And He wants us sympathetic to the need and pain of others. The last thing we should do is display a better than thou spirit toward those that aren't on top or snub people that are discouraged and confused. We are here to show mercy and compassion.

If you want Gods mercy in your times of brokenness and hurt? Show mercy to those that are hurt.

Some can't even admit that you want your place back in the Kingdom----you're without any desire to participate. But you know Romans 11:29 says," God's gifts and his call are irrevocable" .... It's time to re-enter the Kingdom.

Maybe you haven't been the perfect dad or mom...You can start over today.

If you've been offended, it's time to let it go!

If you self-destructed years ago, it's time to let God reassemble you.

If the burden of life broke you, there's life after brokenness.

If you were crushed by tragedy, it's time for God's healing.

"Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom My soul delights......A bruised reed He will not break, and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish."

He'll cast none aside!!

Not Worry About Tommorrow

 Moses felt ashamed of his past. Jeremiah felt he was too young. Gideon said he was unqualified.

If not careful, we will allow our thoughts to become our loudest voice - I have too much of a past. I’m not old enough. I am not equipped nor qualified.

I’ve heard my thoughts become the loud sounds of fear, anxiety, failure, rejection, and the list can go on.

My most useful weapon against every fear, anxiety, and uncertainty has always been the Word of God!

Jesus said - Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. (Mt. 6: 34)

Start your day rising over your fears.

Hear the promises of God in your thoughts through the pages of His Word!