Numbers 12,13; Psalms 49; Isaiah 2; Hebrews 10

But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let us go up at once and take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!”  But the other  men who had explored the land with him disagreed. “We can’t go up against them, they are stronger than we are !” Numbers 13:30-31 NLT 

Caleb was standing up for what he believed.  His trust was rooted in God alone.  This is convicting for me…when I think about times that I’ve let comparison and self-doubt rob me of my purpose. And cloud my vision.  Just like the Israelites, I’ve made decisions based on my limited perspective. And not on the promises of God’s word.

“Why should I fear when trouble comes, when enemies surround me? They trust in their wealth and boast of great riches…But as for me, God will redeem my life.  He will snatch me from the power of the grave.  So don’t be dimayed when the wicked grow rich and their homes become ever more splendid.  For when they die, they take nothing with them.  Their wealth will not follow them into the grave.  In this life they consider themselves fortunate and are applauded for their success.” Psalms 49:5, 15-18 NLT

Am I investing in eternity?

“Israel is full of silver and gold; there is no end to its treasures.  Their land is full of warhorses; there is no end to its chariots.  Their land is full of idols; the people worship things they have made with their own hands.  So now they will be humbled, and all will be brought low-do not forgive them.  Idols will completely disappear. On that day of judgement they will abandon the gold and silver idols they made for themselves to worship.”  Isaiah 2:7-20  NLT

Anything I put before God is an idol.  What am I letting control me? What am I relying on, instead of God?

“Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terribble suffering.  Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things.  So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord.  Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will.  Then you will receive all that he has promised.  “For in just in a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay.  And my righteous ones will live by faith.” Hebrews 10:32-38 NLT

In my bible study group we were grappling with the question, “Why do we have to suffer?” Sometimes I wish I didn’t have to go through hard trials.  Even though, I know that God will use them to increase my faith…to bring me closer to Him…to strengthen my prayer life…to help someone else.  In the middle of my pain, I can get frustrated and weary.  When I start to lose hope, I have to remember God’s promises. And I am thankful for others who can lead me back to Him. 

Dear Father, Thank you for loving me despite my fear, doubts and questions.  For always meeting me where I am.  For being a Good Father.  Help me to surrender my idols to you.  Thank you for suffering for me on the cross, so that I can have the hope of heaven. I love you.  Amen.

Amy(amyctanner)

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