Living in God's Promised Land

January 7, 2025

Don’t settle in the wilderness. Step into the land of milk and honey

Have you ever felt small in the face of challenges, like a grasshopper surrounded by giants? The story from Numbers 13 and 14 reminds us that God doesn’t see us as grasshoppers but as His children, destined for greatness and abundance. This meditation invites you to reflect on God's promises of provision and His call to live fearlessly in faith. Let us journey together through this powerful scripture and rediscover our identity in Him.

Joshua and Caleb: A Faithful Vision

In the midst of fear and rebellion, Joshua and Caleb stood out as voices of faith. Numbers 14 recounts their bold response to the Israelites’ despair:

Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes and said, "The land through which we passed as spies is an exceedingly good land."—Numbers 14:6-7

Tearing their clothes was a powerful act, a visible expression of their deep sorrow over the people’s lack of faith. Unlike the others, Joshua and Caleb saw the Promised Land through the lens of God’s promises, not their own fears. They urged the Israelites to believe in God’s plan, declaring that the land wasn’t just good it was exceedingly good.

While the Israelites clung to their fear, Joshua and Caleb painted a different picture of hope and abundance.

They declared:

“The land through which we passed as spies is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey.”—Numbers 14:7-8

What a contrast! Where others saw giants, Joshua and Caleb saw God’s provision. The "grasshopper mentality" that gripped the Israelites only magnified their limitations, but Joshua and Caleb reminded them of the land’s true nature, a land overflowing with blessings, flowing with milk and honey.

"Caleb is putting another image... a land of milk and honey."

This wasn’t just a description of physical abundance; it was a call to realign their imagination with God’s vision. Joshua and Caleb’s words remind us that we can choose what we focus on. Will we focus on the obstacles in our way, or will we trust in the promises of a God who delights in us?

The land of milk and honey represents not just provision but also God’s faithfulness. Even when the path looks uncertain, the promise of His goodness remains steadfast.

Fear vs. Faith

Joshua and Caleb didn’t just present a vision of abundance; they also called out the fear holding the Israelites back. They urged the people not to rebel against God or fear the challenges ahead:

“Only do not rebel against the Lord and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.”—Numbers 14:9

This was a bold declaration. While the Israelites saw the inhabitants of the land as unbeatable giants, Joshua and Caleb saw them as defeated prey. Why? Because their confidence rested not in their own strength, but in the presence of God.

"You don’t need to fear the things happening around you or the circumstances you see."

Fear distorts our perspective, making obstacles seem larger than God’s promises. But faith anchors us in His truth, reminding us that He is with us. Joshua and Caleb’s words echo a timeless truth: victory isn’t about the size of the enemy; it’s about the presence of God in our lives.

When fear whispers, “You can’t,” faith shouts, “God already has!”

In moments of doubt, Joshua and Caleb’s advice is just as relevant today:

“Speak what you want to see, not what you see.”

Three Stages of Spiritual Living

There are three distinct stages of spiritual living, each representing a different level of faith and trust in God. These stages remind us of where we might find ourselves and where God wants us to be.

1. Life Under Pharaoh

“When the Israelites were under Pharaoh, their lives were full of bondage. They toiled every day, yet they saw no promises fulfilled, no growth, and no hope. They lived in fear of what the next day might bring.”

This stage symbolizes a life of slavery—enslaved to fear, sin, and the struggles of this world. It’s a place of constant lack, oppression, and despair, with no glimpse of God’s promises. Many people remain stuck here, under the control of darkness, fearing the unknown. But God did not call us to live in bondage.

2. Life in the Wilderness

“In the wilderness, there’s always lack, but you have just enough to survive. Every day, God provided manna, but it was only enough for that day. There was no abundance, no overflow.”

The wilderness represents a life of minimal faith—living from one miracle to the next without fully stepping into God’s promises. While needs are met, there’s no abundance or lasting joy. Many Christians live in this stage, going through the motions of faith but never experiencing the fullness of God’s blessings.

“You go in circles, always needing a miracle just to get by.”

But this is not where God wants us to stay. The wilderness was a temporary place for the Israelites, and it should be temporary for us too.

3. Life in the Promised Land

“The Promised Land is a place of provision, abundance, and overflow. It’s a life where you have more than enough not just for yourself, but to bless others.”

This is the life God desires for each of us. In the Promised Land, His blessings flow freely, and His promises are fulfilled. It’s a place of faith, trust, and reliance on God’s grace. The Promised Land represents not just physical provision but spiritual abundance peace, joy, and purpose.

“Don’t stay in Egypt. Don’t settle in the wilderness. Step into the land of milk and honey.”

Conclusion

God calls us to leave behind the fear of Egypt and the scarcity of the wilderness to embrace the abundance of the Promised Land. Just as Joshua and Caleb declared, “The Lord is with us; do not fear,” we too must boldly step into our identity in Christ, proclaiming His promises over our lives.

Reflect on This

1. What “giants” in your life have caused you to doubt God’s promises?

2. Are you living in Egypt, the Wilderness, or the Promised Land, and what steps can you take to embrace God’s abundance?

   
   

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me out of fear and lack into Your Promised Land of abundance and provision. I declare that I will not rebel against Your word, and I choose to trust in Your promises. As You live in me, and I will not fear the challenges before me. Holy Spirit help me to realize the freedom, life, grace and overflow that you have prepared for me.

In Jesus name, Amen.

Key Takeaways:

• Even when the path looks uncertain, the promise of His goodness remains steadfast.

• Victory isn’t about the size of the enemy; it’s about the presence of God in our lives.

• Trust in God leads to abundant blessings, beyond our immediate needs.

• Speak life by declaring God's promises over your situation.

• Don’t stay in Egypt. Don’t settle in the wilderness. Step into the land of milk and honey.

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To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below