It's Time to Rise!Part 3: Numbers 13-14

Throughout Scripture, mountains represent places of encounter, revelation, and decision. In Numbers 13-14, we see the Israelites standing at a critical moment, gazing at the land God had promised them. This was their opportunity to rise—to see, believe, and act in faith. However, their response determined their future.

Rise to See the Promised Land

In Numbers 13:1-2, God speaks to Moses:

“Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each ancestral tribe send one of its leaders.”

God had already declared His intention—the land was theirs! He wasn’t asking for opinions, doubts, or hesitations. He commanded them to go and see the land He had given them. This was an opportunity for them to witness firsthand the fulfillment of His promise.

Twelve spies were chosen—leaders among the people—to scout the land and return with a report. They were to assess the land’s quality, its resources, and the strength of its inhabitants. This was not an opportunity to determine if the land was good but to confirm that God’s word was true.

Rise with Faith in God’s Promise

The spies explored the land for forty days. When they returned, their report was mixed:

“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)

The land was exactly as God had promised—a land flowing with abundance. But ten of the spies chose to focus on the obstacles rather than the opportunity. They allowed fear to dictate their perspective, seeing themselves as insignificant compared to the inhabitants of the land.

However, Caleb had a different spirit. He silenced the people and declared, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” (Numbers 13:30)

Faith acknowledges reality but chooses to trust God’s power over perceived impossibilities. Caleb’s confidence wasn’t in their military strength but in God’s faithfulness. He understood that if God had promised them the land, then nothing could stand in their way.

Rise and Raise a Good Report

The ten spies who doubted spread fear among the Israelites. Their negative report caused the people to panic, rebel, and even desire to return to Egypt. Fear became contagious, clouding their faith and distorting their perception of God’s promise.

This moment highlights an important truth: what we choose to report matters. The words we speak—whether filled with faith or fear—have the power to influence those around us. Our testimony shapes the way people perceive God’s ability to move in their lives.

Are we spreading faith or fear? Do we declare God's promises despite challenges, or do we focus on obstacles and limitations? Caleb and Joshua chose to believe in God’s power, while the other spies saw only defeat.

Will You See the Potential or the Obstacle?

This story is not just about the Israelites—it’s about us. Every day, we face situations that test our faith. Will we see potential or obstacles? Will we walk by faith or be ruled by our senses?

The Israelites’ fear caused them to shrink back. They saw themselves as grasshoppers compared to the giants in the land (Numbers 13:33). But God never called them grasshoppers—He called them His chosen people, heirs to the promise!

How often do we shrink back from what God has called us to do because we feel inadequate? When we focus on our limitations instead of God's power, we fail to step into the fullness of His promises.

Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The Israelites had a choice: to trust in their own ability or to rely on God's strength. The same choice stands before us today.

Stay the Course – Don’t Change Lanes

When circumstances seem difficult, the temptation is to switch paths, to seek what looks like an easier way. But faith requires endurance. The Israelites grew impatient and frustrated. Their fear caused them to lose sight of God's faithfulness, making them question His plan. Instead of moving forward in faith, they longed to return to Egypt.

How often do we feel the same? When we face opposition, do we trust God’s timing, or do we try to take matters into our own hands? Psalm 125:1 says, “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.” True faith remains steadfast, even when the road is difficult.

The Israelites' doubt led to a devastating consequence—they wandered in the wilderness for forty years, missing out on the promise they were meant to inherit. Caleb and Joshua, however, were later rewarded for their faith and entered the land (Numbers 14:30).

Conclusion: Rise in Faith

God has set promises before us, but faith is required to step into them. Like the Israelites, we stand at the edge of what God has prepared, looking out at both the opportunities and the obstacles. The question is: How will we respond?

Will we see with eyes of faith or eyes of fear? Will we trust God's ability or focus on our limitations? The call is clear—it’s time to rise!

Reflection Questions:

1. What promises from God have you been hesitant to step into because of fear or doubt?
2. Are you focusing more on obstacles or on God's ability to overcome them?
3. What kind of “report” are you sharing with those around you—one of faith or one of fear?
4. Have you ever experienced a time when staying the course in faith led to a breakthrough?
5. What steps can you take today to align your perspective with God’s promises rather than your own limitations?

Faith is not about denying reality but choosing to trust in God despite the challenges. He has called us to rise, to see His promises, and to walk in the fullness of His plans. Will you take that step today?