KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE GRAPES

These two men said to all the Israelites gathered there, “The land that we saw is very good.” Numbers 14:7 (ERV)

REFERENCE
Numbers 13:1-3, 25-33 & Numbers 14:1-10 (ERV)

When Moses sent out the twelve spies by God’s instruction to explore the land of Canaan, he was disappointed with the report they brought back. Although, the spies all agreed that the land was good and full of opportunities, ten of them, besides seeing the opportunities, also saw the threats (giants, fortified cities, and strong enemies that could devour them). Unfortunately, these ones could not get their eyes off the threats and dangers.

Thus, their perception of the land became one of fear rather than faith in God’s promise to give them the land, and this made it impossible for them to possess the land flowing with milk and honey. Sometimes, the fear of what can go wrong strangles our faith in God for what can go right.

Nevertheless, Joshua and Caleb returned with a different report because they kept their eyes on the grapes they saw in the land. They ‘saw’ that the land was fruitful enough to support them and their live-stock. Where others saw trouble, difficulties and dryness, they saw opportunities, open doors and fruit-fulness. Hence, they were the only ones from the original 12 spies that eventually entered and possessed the promise land. What you ‘see’ will ultimately determine what you SEE.

In life, there are always giants in our promised land, but there will also be grapes. That’s life – it hardly gives you any goodies without giants. David’s ‘table’ was prepared in the presence of his enemies – he had to choose whether to focus on the meal or on the enemies (Psalm 23:5).

Paul declared, “A great and effectual door of ministry has been opened to me,” but he quickly added, “But there are many adversaries” (I Corinthians 16:9). If you are going to take full possession of the things you desire in any sphere of life and living, keep your focus on the opportunities rather than the threats surrounding those things. Perhaps, you intend to start a venture or business, but you are skeptical because of the risks involved and are afraid to venture out; get your facts, keep your eyes on the ‘grapes’ and go up at once!

By failing to take the risk involved in that business, you also forfeit the opportunities that abound therein. When you get into the habit of running away from things because of the threats inherent in them; you will remain stationary in life or settle for less than you should have. Be like Joshua and Caleb, keep your eyes on the grapes and the giants will give way to you.

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL STUDY
II Kings 7:3-8, Ecclesiastes 11:1-6, & Matthew 14:28-32

PRAYER POINT

Ask God to open your eyes to see solutions where others see trouble, open doors where they see difficulties, fruitfulness where they see dryness, and opportunities where they see opposition.