Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
The Israelites were at the threshold of their Promised Land. God has miraculously brought them to that place of crossover. They went in to spy out the Land. They saw the apparent strength of their enemies. Their hearts melted. Because they measured the strength of the giants against their own strength. Naturally, they were defeated at the first instance.
When overwhelming challenges confront us, in our personal lives or the corporate life of the Church or a nation, it is natural for us to analyze the size of the problem. Nothing wrong with that. The real problem emerges when we begin to measure the strength and size of the “giants” against our own strength and resources. Surely, we will most likely be defeated at the first instance, in our own sight.
Joshua and Caleb however, perceived their situation differently. For they said, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” (Numbers 14:7-9) Since they measured the strength and size of the giants against the Promises, faithfulness and strength of the God of their Covenant, they perceive correctly the true situation.
As we embark on a journey into 2021, as we face the “giant” ahead – in whatever areas of our lives, the Church and the nation, let us measure the strength and size of the giant against the strength, size and faithfulness of the God of our Covenant. He is able and willing to “lead us into His Promised Land, and give it to us!”