Good morning. Today is Wednesday, July 15th!

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

— Numbers 14:9

Did You Know God Sent 12 Spies into the Promised Land?

Most people know that Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land.

But before that happened, God told Moses, “Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites” (Numbers 13:1–2).

Moses chose twelve spies, one from each tribe of Israel, and sent them to explore the land for forty days.

When they came back, the news was exciting.

They said the land really was just as God had promised, “flowing with milk and honey” (Numbers 13:27). In fact, they cut down a single cluster of grapes that was so big it had to be carried on a pole between two men (Numbers 13:23).

But then the report took a turn.

Ten of the spies couldn’t stop thinking about the obstacles. They saw strong armies, large cities, and even giants. They told the people, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are” (Numbers 13:31).

Only two spies, Joshua and Caleb, saw the exact same things but came to a completely different conclusion.

Caleb stood up and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30).

Why?

Not because the giants weren’t real. Not because the cities weren’t heavily fortified. But because they trusted God more than they feared the obstacles.

Joshua later reminded the people, “The Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them” (Numbers 14:9).

Think about that.

All twelve spies walked through the same land.

All twelve saw the same grapes.

All twelve saw the same giants.

All twelve had seen God part the Red Sea, provide manna from heaven, and lead them through the wilderness. The only difference was who they believed.

Ten believed their fear.

Two believed God’s promise.

Sadly, the people listened to the ten fearful spies. They refused to enter the land, and because they didn’t trust God, that generation wandered in the wilderness for forty years. Only Joshua and Caleb were allowed to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14).

This story reminds us that faith doesn’t mean pretending your problems aren’t real.

It means believing that God is bigger than the problems you can see.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: Father, You are faithful.

Confession: Forgive me for choosing fear over faith.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for always keeping Your promises.

Supplication: Help me trust You no matter what I face.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

“The Lord Is Here” by Tiffany Hudson

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See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God