Praise & Pray

Are you familiar with the story of what happened at Kadesh Barnea? That's where the Israelites were camped when God told Moses to send 12 men into the Promised Land of Canaan to spy out the place. Many of us know the result of this exercise. Of the 12 men sent out, 10 came back and spread fear, convincing all who gathered to hear about their adventure that although the Lord said He'd given them that land, they were not powerful enough to take it. God got angry and declared punishment for their disbelief - the death of all who believed the bad report and 40 years in the desert.

Now, have you ever wondered why God told Moses to send those spies in the first place? If He knew they'd come back and discourage the community from taking what He promised, why bother sending them? It is clear there was a test involved, but what was the test and what was its purpose? Most Christians know that one lesson from this story is not to believe a report that challenges God's character. These naysayers spoke badly about themselves, even though they were built in God's image - declaring themselves ants in comparison to the inhabitants in the land.

In addition, the doubters ignored that God was able to help them conquer the people already living in the land. They lacked faith even though God had shown them His great power. They discouraged others from having faith as well. By refusing the call to claim what the Lord had given them, they repeated Esau's great sin of belittling and rejecting an inheritance. God pledged Canaan to their ancestor, Abraham, over four centuries earlier. He told him that the land would go to his descendants.

Let's go back to the original question - why send those spies in the first place? Why give them a peek into the future He'd promised? Why not just give them the promise instead of letting them fail only to be weaned from their erroneous ways over 4 decades? We often ignore the fact that God's ways will never be like those of us mere mortals. His ways are higher (Isaiah 55:8-9). We may think we know how things should be done, and we may think that our experience or technology will give us the best answer, but the Lord always knows better.

And here, the Lord sent the Israelite spies into Canaan so they would return and share a testimony that would make the people expectant and desirous of what He had for them. This was a choice He left to them to make because He is a gentleman who doesn't force His way on humans. He also wanted them to trust Him to get them exactly what He promised. They would be able to rely on Him, the God who made them witnesses of HIs power when He brought them out of slavery with great signs and wonders, and ensured they had water and food in a barren desert.

Just as He did with them, God tells us and/or shows what He has in store in an effort to get us excited about what He has coming. He wants us to want it and rely on Him through prayers, fasting, and praise until we get it. Never forget the Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18). As believers, we are not to stop praying. Jesus taught that we can petition the Lord as the widow nagged the judge until he gave in to her request. Is it wrong that He wants us to learn to persist in prayer? Prayers that we will need when, not if, the devil comes in a fury to try and destroy what the Lord has given?

The Lord doesn't do this because He is unfair. Instead, He does this because He is good and loves us. Think of it this way. When the wicked go to satan for what they want, it gives it to them relatively quickly. This may seem attractive, but realize that satan does not reveal the consequences that are certain to come for agreeing with it. Instead, it moves fast before they have time to understand what was lost for their request.

God, on the other hand, often gives people advance notice of His promises and eases His children into their blessings. This doesn't mean He cannot move instantly to change lives. He does this all the time for people as He deems fit. When He chooses the alternative, He prepares His people so that once they receive His best, it won't become a burden that could destroy them or others. He gives them the highest chance of success so that His gifts won't fall into the enemy's possession and thus become a weapon it can use to gloat against Him or oppress His own.

So did the Lord show you His promises for your future, and have you been waiting for a while to see them fulfilled? Do you understand Proverbs 13:12 because you think you are the example of "hope deferred?" Do you feel forgotten? Be encouraged and keep going onward, Christian soldier. It isn't easy to wait, but in that season, remember that the God who made a promise will bring His word to pass in your life. He didn't show you what's coming to punish you with the wait. He's working something out in you and around you. Plus, Jesus is at His right hand, standing in as your advocate. He is interceding on your behalf.

Find out what He's doing by going to Him. That way, you won't make the mistakes the Israelites did at Kadesh Barnea of forgetting His faithfulness, rejecting their godly inheritance, or bowing to fear and self-criticism. He who started a great work in you will finish it (Philippians 1:6). Hold on and stand firm. Know that His process to get you to the finish line is what you need for ultimate victory. If you don't backslide but keep walking with Him, that faith is currency that will not be ignored. You will be rewarded and strengthened, becoming an even more pleasing servant. A cherished and fruitful vine. Don't give up!

As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:

1. "You Saved The Best Till Now"

2. Careful what you say about yourself

3. The Preparation

4. On Fear & Inexperience

5. The Weaning in the Wilderness

6. The Lesson in Repeated Patterns

7. Let God Confuse Your Enemy

8. P&P 400: The God of Suddenly

9. Your Toolkit for the Promised Land

10. Doubt Kills Prayers

11. Topic: Abraham

12. Topic: Dependence/Reliance on God

13. Topic: Don't Break Faith with God

14. Topic: Faith At Work Series

15. Topic: Faith, Trust, Belief in God

16. Topic: Grumble/Grumbling and Complaining