February 22, 2022

Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.”

Numbers 14:6-7

Devotional

Twelve men were picked to explore the territory promised to Abraham and his ancestors. One man was chosen from each of the twelve tribes of Jacob’s (aka Israel) offspring to go out and explore the land of Canaan. Ten of them came back greatly afraid of what they had seen. Caleb and Joshua, however, were courageous and wanted to lay claim to what God had promised to them and their families. The rest of the tribes were ready to pack up and go back to Egypt and “enjoy” their lives of slavery once again.
 
As we read these passages, don’t we all think how ridiculous those Israelites were, choosing bondage over freedom in a land flowing with milk and honey? However, don’t we sometimes do the same thing? God often calls us to something more—something on the other side of where we are. He has a challenge and a calling for us. But it will take time and bravery for us to explore that land.
 
Cat McAfee was a skating instructor at the Peachtree Gym when she reluctantly said “Yes” to LaAmistad, an organization that fosters academic excellence for Latino children. She now oversees twelve LaAmistad locations all across Atlanta. After retirement from her IT business, Peachtree member Virginia Dilkes found the courage to minister to women in prison. Janie and Corbey Dukes left their home in South Carolina and have worked for the past twelve years for Kids Alive International in Guatemala, a refuge for sexually abused girls. Corbey is now President of this organization, recently headquartered in Alpharetta, and he and his family attend Peachtree.
 
Were these people likely scared of the giants that they would face? Yes! Has it been hard? Absolutely! But they took the risk. They explored their options, put a toe in the water, and then took steps to claim the land where God was leading them. They were all just ordinary people who felt God’s call to do extraordinary restoration work for His kingdom.

For Reflection

What land might God be calling you to explore?
 
Of what giants are you most afraid? Failure? Risk? Time? Moving? Resources? Skills?

Prayer

Lord, I am often afraid that what You have planned for me is not what I would want. However, You are the God who made me, the One who gave me my gifts, abilities, time, and resources. Are You calling me to something more? Please give me the courage to take the next step into the Promised Land with You. In Jesus’s name, Amen.