When You Feel Like a Grasshopper
We …saw giants [in the land] .... Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought [of us], too!” Numbers 13:33 NLT
Have you ever faced something that immediately reduced you to size, causing you to feel small and insignificant, perhaps a challenging circumstance, an overwhelming problem, or an intimidating person, resulting in a loss of confidence and hope?
At various seasons of our lives we all experience these feelings. However, feelings are not usually, if ever, the best indicator of reality. Instead, feelings of this nature are most often rooted in fear, deception and a lack of faith. And this was exactly the scenario for ten spies sent by Moses to scout out the promised land.
The Mission
As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, God instructed Moses to send out 12 men to survey the promised land. The mission wasn’t complicated. The men were to look for and report back on the following: the land, people, towns, soil and trees, and their final instruction was to bring back a sample of the crops. The men/spies followed the instructions, completed their mission, and even returned with grapes so large it required two men to carry them! You would think that every man returned with good news to share. But sadly, 10 out of 12 returned with a bad report.
A Bad Report
You see, despite all the good the spies did see: a bountiful country– a land flowing with milk and honey, not to mention outrageously large and luscious fruit, they also saw powerful people, fortified towns, and giants! Sadly, these sights resulted in a distorted view of themselves, causing them to believe the lie that they were incapable and incompetent. And worse yet, their magnified view of their problem, minimized the view of their God, leading them to deliver a bad report.
“The land…will devour anyone who…live[s] there. All the people we saw were huge…Next to them we felt like grasshoppers…” (Numbers 13:32-33)
And as you might imagine, this report caused a massive wave of fear to settle over the entire Israelite community.
A Different Perspective
It is precisely in times like these that we need the Caleb’s and Joshua’s of this world to provide us with a much higher, far better perspective. These two visionaries, unlike the ten naysayers, had a completely different take on the scouting mission. And because of this, they spoke reassuringly to the fearful crowd attempting to convince them that contrary to anyone’s perception the land was good, God was with them, and that they need not be afraid.
The Wrong Choice
Yet regardless of this positive report, the Israelites chose to align with the negative reporters. And this was not merely a wrong choice, it was actually the worst choice they could’ve possibly made, adding an additional 40 years to their wilderness journey, and ultimately preventing them from entering the Promised Land. And can you guess what happened to the 10 spies who spread the bad report? Well, they were all struck with a plague. Yet, faith-filled Caleb and Joshua, by choosing to magnify God, rather than any potential obstacles or challenges, eventually received everything God had promised them.
Full Circle
And this brings the story full circle to us today. You see, like the Israelites, God has made some stellar promises to each of us. Yet, His promises are not without challenges. The truth is we will all face giants on various levels throughout our lives. And when, not if we do, we must not allow the size or scope of our perceived giants to reduce us to a grasshopper mentality. Instead, we must choose, by an act of faith, to keep our eyes on God, our promise maker and keeper. And if we will do this, we too, like Caleb and Joshua will eventually enter our promised land.
Pray
Gracious Father, thank you for the stories included in Holy Scripture that continue to teach me today. In those times when I feel small and insignificant, help me to remember who I am in you. I am grateful for the courage and strength you provide to do everything you’ve called me to do. I place my trust in you alone for all things. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Question of the Week
How does knowing God is both with you and for you empower you as you face life’s giants?
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