“In this powerful sermon from our Selah Series, we dive into the story of the Israelites, focusing on their 40-year journey of wandering in the wilderness. Despite God's unwavering faithfulness, the people were often ensnared by fear and doubt, choosing to focus on their circumstances rather than on the promises and power of God. As we explore this narrative, we learn three essential postures for navigating our own journey of faith:
1. Looking Back: Reflect on all that God has done in our lives—how He has redeemed us and saved us. The Israelites' journey teaches us that it's important to remember God's faithfulness in the past as a foundation for trust in the present.
2. Living in the Here and Now: Obedience to the Lord is key. Even in uncertain times, God calls us to walk in faith and to listen for His voice in the everyday moments of our lives. When we keep our eyes on Him, we can navigate the present with confidence.
3. Remembering His promises for the Future: God has a plan and a promise for each of us. Just as He declared victory over the Israelites, He declares a purpose over your life. No matter the obstacles, God will empower and strengthen you to fulfill the calling He has placed on your heart.
The story of the 12 spies sent into the Promised Land illustrates the dangers of letting fear and doubt dictate our perspectives. While 10 of the spies reported back with fear, questioning God's ability to deliver, Caleb and Joshua trusted in God's promises. Their courage came from looking to God rather than the challenges ahead.
When we focus more on "plotting" (worrying, strategizing in our own strength) than "praying" (aligning our hearts with God's will), we risk losing faith. The message reminds us that being afraid is a momentary action, but staying in fear is a choice. We are encouraged to boldly approach the throne of grace, to still our hearts and minds before the Lord, and to catch our thoughts before they catch us.
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