The Israelites sent 12 spies in advance to take the land of Canaan. Ten of the spies brought a negative report that could cause the people to give up taking the land.
And they spread among the Israelites some rumors about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there were of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim. We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them (Numbers 13:32-33)."
By listening to that report, all the members of the people raised their voices and wept aloud. They grumbled against Moses and Aaron. But two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, tore their clothes and sincerely appealed to the Israelites.
“Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them (Numbers 14:9).”
Joshua and Caleb had completely different viewpoints from 10 other spies on the land. They trusted that God would surely lead them into that land. Likewise, by faith, you can trust that God will surely work for you fulfilling His promise. You won't get impatient or be swayed by things happening. By strong faith, given by God, you can patiently wait for God's work.
Noah, a man of faith, was patient even though there was no rain before the flood. He did not get disturbed even when others mocked and laughed at him. He just built the Ark by trusting in God’s word.
Those who believe in God’s word just as it is can overcome impatience. God’s work is not fulfilled by doing some things in a hurry. We must live by faith waiting for God’s timing to work, trusting by faith that God will surely do.
Pastor Seok-Jeon Yoon
Extracted from Yonsei Newspaper #816
