Day 62

Numbers 14-15.  “Missed Blessings”

The report from the spies truly tested if Israel trusted God for their protection.  Already struggling with the level of sacrifice expected of them, they decided the prospect of engaging the inhabitants of the Promised Land wasn’t worth it.  The people ignored the fact that the Lord was with them (Num. 14:9).  
You might find it easy to criticize their lack of faith as I often have.  The harsh reality is that we sometimes do the very same thing.  We size up a situation and decide the cost is too great, and instead of trusting in the Lord’s protection and provision, we make a fear-based decision and miss out on God’s blessings.
Why are we prone to fear?  The Apostle John tells us that perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).  As broken yet redeemed people our love for God is being perfected.  As this process continues fear is diminished and love will increase.  As God’s faithful love continues to work in our lives, our love for Him grows, and our willingness to sacrifice and follow Him grows as well. 

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?