“The Lord said…” Numbers 13:1
God gave Moses an assignment for the Israelites to complete. Following their departure from Egypt they camped in the Desert of Paran, which is in the Sinai Peninsula (Numbers 12:16). At this critical juncture they faced an important decision. Would they trust God or let fear dictate their next steps?
Twelve men toured the land of Canaan for forty days. When they returned, their report was glowing.
“It’s beautiful!” “It’s bountiful!” “It’s too big for us to handle!”
This group of people had recently encountered the provision of first manna and then quail sent from heaven. The experience of each had not even departed from their review mirror as they approached The Promised Land. The choice upon them is to trust or deny God’s protection.
Exercise:
1. Read Numbers 13.
What did God gift to the community? (Numbers 13:1-2) Do you think they were surprised about the gift or entitled? Were they overwhelmed or grateful? They had to do their part to scope it out and asses what they would do with that gift.
2. What will you do with the gift God has given you?
You have words to write and pages to publish. Maybe you have a manuscript to finish? Are you surprised by the gift, overwhelmed and grateful – all at the same time? Will you file it away because it’s too hard?
Will you trust God to show you next steps to follow Him into The Readership Land He has promised you?
3. Read Numbers 14:6-9.
What can you glean from these verses?
Do not be afraid of the gatekeepers in The Land of Publishing. God is with you and will help you conquer the obstacles. Will you proclaim, “The Lord is with me,” alongside Joshua and Caleb?
4. Notice the numbers in Numbers:
- Moses had Aaron to help him.
- Twelve leaders explored the land (no one was alone).
- Joshua and Caleb bolstered each other’s faith.
Fred Rogers said, “Look for the helpers.”
You have helpers, too. Make a list of people who help you along your writing journey. Send a text to let them know you’re grateful for the ways they encourage you to use the gift you hold in your hands.
“We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
Numbers 13:30 NIV
Lord, help me to see and act on what You’ve called me to do.
Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.
Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.
Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside with her husband and her dad. Visit Sally’s blog at sallyferguson.net
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