Day 74 Through The Bible

Day 74: Walking in Faith – Trusting God’s Promises

Biblical Principle: Absolute Truth from God’s Word

In the Old Testament, God sent spies into Canaan to assess the people and the land. This was not merely an exercise in gathering information for strategic purposes but a powerful reminder of God’s promises and the truth He was unfolding.

In Numbers 13:17-20, Moses commands the spies to observe the land of Canaan, noting its inhabitants, cities, and natural resources. He specifically asks them to evaluate whether the people are “strong or weak,” “few or many,” and whether the land is “good or bad.” But there’s more than meets the eye in these terms.

The word “strong” in Hebrew refers to being “stiff-necked” or rebellious. It’s not about physical strength or military might. It’s about the disposition of a people, whether they are entrenched in pride or open to God’s ways. The word “weak,” on the other hand, refers to being feeble in body and mind. It paints a picture of people unable or unwilling to stand firm in the face of adversity.

God’s message was not for the spies to decide whether the Israelites could defeat the inhabitants of the land. God had already promised them victory, and He wanted them to recognize that the people's hearts in the land needed to be won over, not through force but through God’s power. He wanted His people to reach out to the lost and to call them to repentance. Still, when the inhabitants of Canaan chose rebellion over submission, God ultimately commanded their destruction.

In Numbers 13, Moses sends the spies on a mission of discernment, not of warfare. This serves as a reminder for us today that God's victory is not about our strength but His. We are called to stand firm in faith, trusting that God will lead us and His power will carry us through any challenge.

Practical Application: Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

So, how does this principle apply to us today? The key takeaway is simple yet profound: We win by faith. Just as God promised to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, He promises to lead us through our spiritual journey, no matter how daunting the challenges may seem.

In Hebrews 11, we are reminded of the power of faith. The heroes of the faith are commended for their unwavering trust in God. Hebrews 11:33-35 speaks of those who, through faith, “subdued kingdoms,” “stopped the mouths of lions,” and “quenched the violence of fire.” These victories were not won by human strength or wisdom but by faith in God’s power. Even in moments of weakness, they were made strong because they trusted in God, not their abilities.

Another prime example is the Israelites’ victory over Jericho. In Hebrews 11:30, we read, “By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down after they were compassed about seven days.” Their victory was based on faith, not military strategy. It demonstrated God’s power, and they were mere instruments of His will.

Similarly, in our lives, we are called to walk by faith, not by sight. Although the circumstances around us may appear impossible, God’s promises are unwavering. When there seems to be no way forward, faith makes a way. Just as the Israelites trusted God for victory over the Canaanites, we must trust God for victory in our battles.

The Role of Unbelief in Our Journey

One striking lesson from Hebrews 11 is the contrast between those who walked by faith and those who wandered in unbelief. In Hebrews 11:29, it says, “By faith, they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.” The Israelites experienced victory, but those who doubted, like the Egyptians, faced defeat. There is no faith without victory and no victory without faith.

There was no place in the Hall of Faith for those who wandered in the wilderness because of unbelief. They did not trust God to fulfill His promises, so they missed out on the blessings that faith could have brought them. This is a sobering reminder that faith is essential in our walk with God. Without it, we cannot claim the victory He has already promised.

Conclusion: Living Out God’s Promises

Just as God led the Israelites into the Promised Land, He has a plan for each of us. The journey may be long, and the obstacles may seem overwhelming, but we must remember that the battle is already won in Christ. Our responsibility is to walk by faith, trusting God’s power to deliver us, even when circumstances seem impossible.

As we face challenges in our lives, whether personal, relational, or spiritual, let us remember that God’s promises are true. We are not called to rely on our strength but to trust in His. We can overcome obstacles and experience victory through faith by walking in God's will.

Remember, it’s not about our strength, but His. When we walk in faith, God’s promises will be fulfilled, and His victory will manifest in our lives.