Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)
The Israelites had been in bondage in Egypt for more than 400 years. Throughout their time in captivity, they continued looking to God with eyes of faith, believing that one day He would set them free. Their faith sustained them throughout their slavery and their faith strengthened them to cross the Red Sea on dry ground, with walls of water towering on either side of them and the Egyptian army rapidly approaching from behind.
All was going well for the people of God until it came time to possess the Promised Land of Canaan, where they took their eyes off God and focused instead on their circumstances. The Bible tells us that twelve spies were sent into the land to scope things out. They all returned in agreement that the land did indeed “flow with milk and honey” (Numbers 13:27), just as God had promised (Exodus 3:8).
However, ten of the twelve took their eyes off of God and reported that the cities were “fortified and very large” and the people looked like giants to them (Numbers 13:28, 33). Only two, Caleb and Joshua, never let their eyes of faith waver from God; they urged the people, “Go up and take possession of the land” (Numbers 13:30). Their Spirit-fueled faith was the same as that of the psalmist, who reasoned, “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 117:2).
What was the difference between the ten and the two? They all saw the same land, the same fortified cities, and the same “giant” people. But ten looked away from God and focused on their circumstances, while two did not. And the unbelief of the ten sentenced an entire generation to wander in the wilderness until the faithless had all perished. But Caleb and Joshua survived, and they were rewarded for their trust in God forty years later, when the people of Israel entered the Promised Land.
How is it with you today? What have you been focusing on? Seeing with the eyes of faith means that we fix our hopes and our expectations on the promises of God, not on our circumstances. Remember, when Peter kept his eyes on Christ, he walked on the water; but as soon as he looked away from Jesus and glanced fearfully around him at the wind and the waves, he began to sink (Matthew 14:28-32).
Seeing with the eyes of faith sees potential obstacles as opportunities for God to show Himself faithful . . . and He always does!
You are in my prayers and in my heart.
Purpose and Passion,
Pastor Tommy
Grace for the Race 