“not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their ancestors. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it.” – Numbers 14:23
Doubt can feel small at first, like a flicker in your mind that questions, “Is this really what God wants? Can I truly trust Him?” Yet, for the Israelites, that flicker of uncertainty ballooned into a raging fire of disbelief when ten of the twelve spies returned from Canaan with a fearful report. Their unbelief spread through the camp, infecting the entire community with fear. Because of their doubt, the Israelites were forced to wander in the wilderness longer, delaying their entry into the Promised Land.
This story reminds us that doubt doesn’t only affect us personally; it can influence those around us. The negativity of the ten spies overshadowed the faith of Joshua and Caleb, pulling the whole community into despair. When we give voice to our fears above God’s promises, we risk discouraging others and missing out on God’s best. In the same way, speaking faith and hope can lift others up and strengthen everyone’s resolve to follow God wholeheartedly.
At its core, doubt reveals where our trust in God’s character and word is weak. Does fear of failure keep you from following a calling? Are you hesitating on a decision because you’re not sure if God will come through? The Israelites had already witnessed miracles—deliverance from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, daily manna—yet they still questioned if God could handle giants in the new land. We, too, often overlook how God has already proven Himself faithful in the past.
Reflect on your life right now: Is there a “Canaan” God is calling you to claim, but you hesitate because of fear? Recognize that doubt has a cost, but choosing faith releases you to move forward in God’s promises. Just as God eventually brought His people into the Promised Land—through those who believed—we can trust that He will lead us into the fullness of what He has prepared for us when we walk by faith, not by sight.
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for the times I have let doubt overshadow your promises. Help me to remember your past faithfulness and trust that you will guide me into every good plan you have. Give me the courage of Joshua and Caleb, who believed despite the giants in the land. Strengthen my faith so that I may step boldly into the future you have set before me. Amen.
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