I have a simple journaling tool I use in conjunction with my daily reading of scripture. Sometimes it doesn’t result in anything significant, but occasionally God works through this little habit to bring something really important into my life and heart. Today was one of those times. I find that I must share from my heart this morning, since I think this message God gave me this morning is for me first and then you.
Numbers 13:33 has a classic statement about a group of people that God made some incredible promises to. Before I share the statement, let me tell you some details from their story. God has been making some wonderful promises to Abraham’s family for generations. One of these promises was a new home, a new land to call their own. The time has finally arrived to experience, receive and move on into this promise from God. So, with that promise from God in hand they went to explore this land God has given (see Numbers 13:1-2) them. It was an amazing, rich, abundant land. But, there would be some hurdles to cross before it was fully theirs. There are enemies that don’t want them to experience God’s promise. So in light of the enemies and hurdles between them and God’s promise, the majority of this family decided they were too small to go forward. You find the heart of this decision in Numbers 13:33 (NLT) We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!”
“Next to them we felt like grasshoppers.” The implication of that statement is huge. After all, who are they to think they might actually deserve something like a new start? Who are they to think they deserve to leave behind a slavery that has kept them bondage for their entire life and in fact for generations before they were born? Who are they to think that today might be better, different from yesterday?
Ah, but the passage isn’t just about Abraham’s family. It’s about me. It’s about my family. It’s about you. Who am I to think that I might be free and able to receive good things from God? Who am I to think I might be the one to break generations of brokenness? Who am I to think that I might be free from a weakness or sin that has plagued me for years? Who am I to think that this day will be new and different from so many days?
You see, the more I think about it the more I realize that ultimately this passage, this issue is about which voice I will listen to today. Will I listen to the voice of the people around me that say I am small and insignificant? Will I listen to the voice that I’ve heard for so long that it almost sounds like my own voice in my head and heart that says I’m not really going to experience God’s promise? I don’t really deserve God’s good stuff for my life. Or, will I listen to God? Will I take His voice, His promise and believe? Which voice?
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
Check out this song on youtube. It speaks to me in some powerful ways while I consider this choice I’m faced with this day and all the days that follow. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU_rTX23V7Q
Who am I? Not a grasshopper, thank you very much!
In 2 Corinthians 12 God’s Word says:
My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 (The Message)
