By Lanette Black
Most of us know the story of David and Goliath, even many nonbelievers are familiar with this story. However, long before David encountered his giant, there were the Nephilim. We read about them first in Genesis. We also read about them in the Book of Numbers, or at least that is what some of the spies believed they saw.
Moses sent twelve men, one leader from each tribe to explore the land of Canaan, the Promised Land. These men were to report back to Moses what they saw, the people living there, the land, the kinds of towns and the fruit that grew there. After forty days, the men returned to report back to Moses what they found.
All but two of the men reported that they should not go up to take the land. Though the land was flowing with milk and honey, they were afraid of the people that lived there. They said they saw Nephilim there. Because they saw giants, they were afraid to move into what God had promised them. He had been with them, leading them out of captivity in Egypt. He had performed many miracles, protected, and provided for their every need. Yet, they still allowed the appearance of giants in the land to discourage, dishearten and deter them from the promises of God! They could only see the obstacles in their way. They seemed to have forgotten that God had continually made a way for them up to that point. They had been able to overcome every obstacle, every situation that looked impossible because God was with them. He had never left them. He went ahead and behind and covered them on all sides. Yet, they still did not trust Him. They still allowed the giants they encountered to overshadow the greatness of their God. Had they not already seen that God’s power was far greater than any situation they faced?
We can shake our heads at the Israelites and wonder how they still did not fully trust God after all He had done for them. We can criticize their grumbling, their disobedience, and their fear. Yet, we are often just like them. We have already seen God do the impossible. We have experienced His goodness and faithfulness in moving giants right out of our way. When we see no possible way for something to occur, it is time to stop looking with our natural eyes and start choosing to see through the eyes of faith. If God said it, He will do it.
God is not human, that he should lie,
not a human being, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act?
Does he promise and not fulfill?
Numbers 23:19
Some time ago, I was not feeling well and decided to take a nap. It had been a difficult week. There was a lot on my mind and I was worrying too much. As I was lying down to nap, I saw spots all over a picture in my mind. Then the spots began to slowly fade away. I heard the lyrics, “I can see clearly now the rain is gone. I can see all the obstacles in my way.” I probably had not heard this song by Johnny Nash in decades. I felt that the Lord was saying I was spending too much time focusing on my obstacles, my perceived giants and instead my focus needed to be on Him, my faithful Father who has kept every promise He has ever made and always will. It was clear that I had gotten distracted and discouraged by my circumstances. I had forgotten all the things that He had already brought me through.
In the story of the Israelites, Joshua and Caleb were the only two who believed that they should go up and take possession of the land. They were not fearful of the giants that were seen in the land.
Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “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 14:6-9
These two men had great faith. They believed the report of the Lord. They believed His promises. Giants could not discourage or deter them from the Word of the Lord.
I love this example in Scripture. I am thankful that God has given us His Word to remind us that we will face giants in this life. However, He is greater than any giant we face. He is always with us, loving us, protecting us and providing for our needs. He wants us to keep our eyes and hearts fixed on Him and not whatever our giant may be. Whether it is our health, relationships, jobs, finances, or anything else that causes us to worry, God is saying, trust Him. This may just be a season to endure. We can endure in the peace of God, with joy, knowing and trusting that He is a rewarder of our faith.
Heavenly Father, we exalt you! You are the One we seek, knowing that you are the Lifter of our heads and Lover of our souls. We can trust you even when our giants seem too big to overcome. We know our God is greater than any circumstance, any trial, or any setback. He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world. Help us to be strong and courageous like Joshua and Caleb. Help us to remember who you are and from where you have brought us. Thank you that we are never left to our own devices. We are yours and you are ours. We are held, kept, renewed and strengthened by the Creator of the Universe. Thank you for your endless love, grace and mercy. Help us to stand firm, steadfast and immovable in the face of our giants. You alone are worthy of all honor and glory. In the Powerful Name of Jesus, Amen and Amen!
