Giants bigger than God?

August 28, 2007

By William E. Richardson

“Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there” (Numbers 13:28, NKJV).

Twelve spies ventured into the land God promised. All 12 saw the same things. All of them returned with samples of Canaan’s abundant produce. Then their reports took divergent paths.

Caleb concluded, “Let us go up at once and take possession” (Numbers 13:30). Joshua agreed. The other 10 spies, after showing proof of the blessings awaiting the Israelites, said, “Nevertheless … we saw the descendants of Anak there. … We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we” (vv. 28,31).

Nevertheless: the word says in essence, “regardless of the facts.” For God’s followers, “nevertheless” calls into question His limitless ability to defeat any obstacle. The 10 fearful spies made a big mistake. They lowered their gaze from God to man. They looked at the earthly problem — people. They failed to keep a view of the heavenly provider — God.

They also forgot the purpose of their mission. Moses did tell them to size up the locals, “whether the people who dwell [in the land] are strong or weak, few or many” (Numbers 13:18). But publicly proclaiming defeat when facing the Canaanites wasn’t part of their job description.

Difficulties in our lives can seem like giants. But it’s not the giant odds that defeat us. It’s our giant fears. With the 10 spies we may say, “In our own sight” the odds look hopeless. But we can never say “with God” the odds are hopeless.

The conclusions of the 10 spies, based on fear instead of faith stirred the entire Israelite camp into panic. The people revolted. They planned to stone their spiritual leaders. Moses interceded in prayer. God pardoned the Israelites, but with consequences. That generation would have to wander a whole year in the wilderness for each day the spies spent scouting out the land (Numbers 14:34). That meant 40 years relearning to trust God.

In this age of grace the consequences of our fear are proportionately smaller. We do however suffer natural results when we make our life’s giants bigger than God. Fear makes us cower instead of conquer. Fear roadblocks our ability to succeed. Fear delays victories.

Our biggest problems, although sometimes overwhelming, never diminish God’s limitless power. A better approach to our giant problems is to honestly look at how big they are, and then determine God is infinitely bigger. Victory awaits us, this year, this month, today. Victory is inevitable when, instead of cringing in fear of our giants, we advance in faith in our God.

William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.