Don’t let problems stop the promise of God for you

Twelve men, one out of every tribe, are sent to examine the nature and state of the land of Canaan. Moses gave them particular directions. “And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way by the South, and go up into the hill-country: and see the land, what it is; and the people that dwell therein, whether they are strong or weak, whether they are few or many; and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in camps, or in strongholds; and what the land is, whether it is fat or lean, whether there is wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land…”-Number 13:17-20.

They proceeded on their journey, came to Eshcol, and cut down a branch with a cluster of grapes, which they bear between two of them upon a staff. After forty days, they returned to Paran, from searching the land, and show to Moses and the people the fruit they had brought with them. They acknowledge that the land is good, but that the inhabitants are such as the Israelites cannot hope to conquer.

The report they brought was exceedingly discouraging, and naturally tended to produce the effect mentioned in the next chapter. The conduct of Joshua and Caleb was alone magnanimous, and worthy of the cause in which they were embarked. Caleb endeavoured to do away the bad impression made, by the report of his fellows, upon the minds of the people. But the others persisted in their former statement, and greatly amplified the difficulties of conquest. It is evident that they had seen a robust, sturdy, warlike race of men, and of great stature; for the asserted fact is not denied by Joshua or Caleb.

Canaan was a type of the kingdom of God, the wilderness through which the Israelites passed, of the difficulties and trials to be met with in the present world. The promise of the kingdom of God is given to every believer, but how many are discouraged by the difficulties on the way! A slothful heart sees dangers, lions, and giants, everywhere, and therefore, refuses to proceed on the heavenly path. “Sin,” say they, “cannot be destroyed in this life. It will always dwell in you. The Anakim cannot be conquered, we are but as grasshoppers against the Anakim.” Thank God for people like Joshua and Caleb, trusting alone in the power of God, armed with faith in the infinite efficacy of that blood, which cleanses from all unrighteousness, who boldly stand forth and say: “Their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us; let us go up at once and possess the land, for we are well able to overcome.” We can do all things through Christ strengthening us. He will purify us unto Himself, and give us that rest from sin here which His death has procured and His word has promised. Do not be dispirited: the sons of Anak shall fall before thee, if thou meet them in the name of the LORD of HOSTS.

• Prophet (Dr.) Abiara is General Evangelist, CAC Worldwide
biaraofciem@yahoo.co.uk