“We went into the land where you sent us; and it certainly does flow with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are very strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover we saw the descendants of Anek living there.” (13:27-28)

“Then all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night.” (14:1)

No matter the good news, scary/bad news always seems to hit us harder and it’s “hello darkness my old friend”.

I stopped, for a moment, as I was reading chapter 13 and thought, “they shouldn’t have spied it out, they should have just gone, knowing God had promised victory! Who’s dumb idea was it to send spies?! Oh, the LORD’s? Whoops.”

Of course I’d love to fancy myself a Joshua or Caleb, but the truth is, I have repeatedly been the other 10 guys. Whenever there’s mirky waters, or a glitch in the plan, I’m turning to the LORD with a strong, are you sure?! I’ve also been accused, on numerous occasions, of being a bit of a rebel rouser, so I’d really rather not think about who I actually would be in this story.

To which the LORD could respond,

“How long will this people spurn Me? And how long will they not believe in Me, despite all the signs which I have performed in their midst?” (14:11)

I would need an advocate like Moses. Oh wait! I do!

Keep a record of God’s promises. I have a note in my phone of specific promises God has made me, and I go back to them regularly. I need to. They fuel my faith when the going gets tough and the dark place feels so easy to slip into. I cannot go there because I do know Him. I can attest to His love and faithfulness, even when things are confusing.

We have an advocate in Christ and His Holy Spirit.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

-Bethany