Numbers 13:26 And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land.
27 And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.
28 Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.
29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.
30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.
31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.

Introductory Thoughts

During times of battle, the people of God typically find themselves cast as the underdogs. The enemy is often stronger and wiser and more desirous of gaining victory at any cost. When the Israelites spied out the land of Canaan, God instructed them to view the fruit of the land because that was the area in which God had given them promise. Instead, the Israelites focused upon the reputation of the enemy and considered the insurmountable odds they faced. In like manner, today’s believer faces superior foes: the world, the flesh, and the Devil. Faith, however, refuses to retreat and trusts that God dwelling within each believer can and will give the strength necessary to overcome any superior foe (1 John 4:4).

Devotional Thoughts

• (For children): Read about these seemingly hopeless situations and the men who knew God was their strength: Deuteronomy 5:15; 1 Samuel 14:6, 13; 1 Samuel 17:37; 2 Kings 6:15-17; 2 Chronicles 32:7-8. We are safe in God’s hands (John 10:27-29).
• (For everyone): In what ways are you no match for the world, the flesh, and the Devil? What should your inferiority drive you to do? Should you hide and refuse to fight?
• Why can a believer have hope for victory in spiritual warfare, while unbelievers are merely subject to be servants to their own ungodly desires?

Prayer Thoughts

• Thank God for being your strength in times of battle.
• Ask God to remind you of the importance of faith in warfare.

SONG: FAITH IS THE VICTORY