In scripture, God promised the Israelites a land of their very own—a lush land filled with milk and honey, a land of abundance. We read how they were delivered from captivity and got off course during their journey. They couldn't believe that they could be free and have a bright future! They were so close to their promised land, yet they were so fearful. They didn't know for sure if they should enter the land, so they sent twelve spies to see if it was really as wonderful as God said. The spies came back and said that the land was amazing! They told how the fruit was lush and the foliage so green. It was truly a land of abundance! Everyone was so excited until the "but" came. The spies began to tell about how there were giants in the land. The spies said, "When we looked at them, we were like grasshoppers in our own sight." That is the report that circulated through the camp, and the Israelites were filled with fear and doubt.
When I read this story, I can't help but notice that the Israelites were right on the border of their promised land when they began to shrink back. Maybe today, you are on the border of what you believe God has for you. You know God is good. You know He is faithful. He's already gotten you to the border. But don't make the same mistake as the Israelites did. They looked at their obstacle, and then they looked at themselves. They didn't look at how far they had come. They didn't look at what God had already done. They compared themselves to their adversaries instead of turning and looking toward Almighty God!
Eventually, Joshua was able to lead the people into the Promised Land. Do you know how things got turned around? God said to Joshua, "Do not let My Word depart from your mouth." He told Joshua to meditate on it and obey His commands; then he would be successful.
In the same way that Joshua had to focus on the Word to change his perspective, you and I have to as well. We can't afford to just live the way everyone else is living. We can't afford to think the way everyone else is thinking. We have to be diligent to renew our minds with the Word of God. We have to keep pressing forward even when we face obstacles knowing that God is with us and for us, and He will be faithful to lead us into our promised land. Move on past the border and embrace every blessing God has in store for you!
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1:8, NIV)