All Your Heart

In my junior year of high school, we made it to the state basketball tournament. When I saw the other team warming up, I had one thought. There was no way we were going to win. I wouldn’t have said it then, but I feel it’s safe to admit it now.  They were twice our size and had two NCAA, Division 1 recruits.  We were no match for them.

I imagine that’s how the Israelite’s felt when they stood on the boarder of the land God promised them.  A “scouting trip” into enemy territory revealed the other “team” was much larger, and far more skilled.  In their situation however, if they didn’t win, they not only lost their land, but their lives as well.  They were no match for them.

They could act on their perception that there was no way to win or they could trust God’s promise to pave the way.  Unfortunately, all but two of the entire nation chose their perception.  And that’s when the wheels fell off the cart. There was crying, yelling, grumbling, rebellion and some severe discipline from the Lord.

Joshua and Caleb were the two that trusted their Savior God and not the scouting report.  That trust was not misplaced.  God proved his trustworthiness by eventually, paving the way into the promised land with decisive victories over their enemies despite all odds. More importantly, he proved how trustworthy he is years later when he paved the way to the heavenly promised land with his decisive victory on the cross despite our sinfulness.

There are times in life when your perception will conflict with God’s promise.  Like when you look at the news and you can’t understand how God can be in control.  The times you look at the paycheck and you can’t process how you will ever make ends meet.  Or when You look at how your life is going and can’t think of any way it will turn around.

Learn from Caleb and Joshua. Trust your Savior, not the scouting report. Lean on his promise, not your perception. His promises always win.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding – Proverbs 3:5

All Your Heart