Held Back by Fear

They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there.” – Numbers 13:27-28

Today, I am taking our son, Jacob to visit the campus of Western Michigan.  During this visit he will catch a glimpse of the future that God has in store for him.  I am sure some of what he sees will be exciting and intimidating at the same time.   The college students will probably look like giants to him, although they are only a few years older.  As he thinks about all the hard work that will be required to graduate, he may become a little hesitant about wanting to jump into the future God has planned.  

As the Israelites escaped from Egypt, God gave them a glimpse of the land of Canaan.  It was a glimpse of what God had in store for their future.  What they saw excited them as they discovered a land flowing with milk and honey, but they also saw cities and people that intimidated them.  The saw how much work would need to be done in order to occupy this land and they became afraid and their faith faltered.  They decided that staying in the desert was better than the future God had planned for them.  Because of their fear and lack of faith, God didn’t give them the land until forty years later.

Sometimes when God gives us a glimpse of what could be, whether it is in our life, church, family, or career, it is an exciting thing.  But often we are intimidated by how much work it would take to get there, and that fear makes us want to stay where we are even though we may be in a wasteland compared to where God wants us to be.  Instead of letting fear keep us in the wilderness, we must trust God, embrace his plans for our future and in faith, boldly take hold of the exciting things that God has in store for us.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord that you always have a plan for my future and that plan is always wonderful. Forgive me when I allow fear to hold me back.  Help me to trust in you and give me the courage to be willing to put in the work and make the sacrifices to move forward into your plan for my life.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Has God given you a glimpse of what could be in your home, church, or life?  If so, put your fear and doubts aside and decide what you have to do to be a part of all the work needed to move into that future?    

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson