When our daughters were little, one had realized she liked to provoke her older sister. She would ‘stir the pot’ quite a lot. She was younger, but too smart for her own good. She quickly realized that even though she might provoke and be the one doing something wrong, if she got to a parent before her sister, she often had instant credibility.
Her older sister feared that although she was in the right, the fact the younger sister had arrived first and got her word in before she had time to explain, we might be against her.
Unfortunately for the younger, we lived in a house with an open floor plan. And her parents were wiser than she first guessed. We often heard the squabble starting with the older calling her younger sister out for the rascally action before the tiny feet came dashing into the room, seeking refuge from mom or dad. But we had already heard the truth and were not inclined to believe the claims or offer condolence to the younger. The older had nothing to fear, her sister had no protection from us!
The Israelites were afraid of the enemy, who they thought had instant credibility. These guys were huge! Yet Moses told them, “Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” He told them earlier in the same verse, “Only do not rebel against the Lord.” Numbers 14:9 (NIV)
God ALWAYS loves us, no matter what we do. That is true. We cannot earn His love by our deeds or lose His love by our actions. But His protection is often a reward for trying to do the right thing. His protection is something He may hold back when He needs to get our attention.
Moses knew the Israelites could not rebel against God and be victorious against their enemy. Moses cautioned them to obey God. And Moses instructed them to not fear their enemy. He trusted God would protect them against their enemy; they simply had to obey.
When God tells us to obey, it is obvious. The Ten Commandments are a good place to start. Taking every thought captive also helps.
God knows our heart.
He knows our emotions.
He knows both can be fickle at times.
There are times He will withdraw His protection in measured amounts so He can get our attention. But He will also reward obedience.
Our older realized that she was in the right and that would help serve as her protection from getting into trouble with her parents for arguing with her sister. (And that open floor plan helped too!)
Whether we are facing giants or enemies, (or both!), the right question is not: can I win this, but am I obeying what God said? Although the odds may look intimidating, God sees better than we, and He knows more, in fact, He knows precisely how it will all play out. We don’t need to worry.
Maybe like me, you need that reminder from time to time. I don’t need to worry, God’s got even this. Let’s pray that He reminds us when we forget and start to worry. Will you join me in prayer?
Prayer: Dear Lord, You say so often in Scripture “Do not be afraid.” I confess and You know, I am often afraid. But I’m learning I don’t need to be, no matter how things look with my own eyes. Please help me recall that You are in control, and even when the enemy looms large and my defenses seem insignificant, I have You. And You are holding me, right in the palm of Your hand. Please help me obey You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.