Seeing Beyond the Giants
“Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it’.” Numbers 13: 30 (Numbers 13:25-33)
In Numbers, we read about the twelve spies sent to explore the Promised Land. When they returned, ten spies focused on the intimidating giants and fortified cities, declaring, “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes” (Numbers 13:33). Only Joshua and Caleb, filled with faith, recognized that with God’s help, they could conquer the land.
This week, I had a conversation with a non-believer about the nature of God. We contrasted my faith in an inherently good God with his friend's belief in a wavering God who is good some days and bad others because God can punish and reward as He sees fit. I shared this quote from a sermon I'd heard: "You can either interpret your circumstances through your God, or you can interpret your God through your circumstances."
Like the ten spies, many of us let our circumstances shape our view of God’s promises. We often focus on our giants—life's difficulties and doubts. In these moments, we may question God's goodness and faithfulness.
Joshua and Caleb chose to interpret their circumstances through the size of their God. They said, “If the Lord is pleased with us, He will lead us into that land” (Numbers 14:8). Their faith was anchored in God's character and promises.
As believers, we must adopt this same perspective shift. We are called to remind ourselves of God’s unwavering goodness. Instead of allowing fear to cloud our understanding, we should seek His presence and trust His nature.
The giants we face may seem daunting, but our God is greater than any obstacle. Our faith should inform how we view our situations, transforming our challenges through the lens of God’s greatness, as Joshua and Caleb did.
Heavenly Father, help me trust in Your goodness, even when circumstances are overwhelming. Teach me to see challenges through Your greatness, and may my faith remain steadfast. Thank You for being my unchanging rock. In Jesus’ name, Amen.