The Lens of Faith (Numbers 13)

Numbers 13:33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

This chapter is such a dramatic visualisation of the difference faith in God makes. Twelve spies were sent into Canaan. They explored the length and width of the land, and they came back amazed at two things: 1) the fruitfulness of the land (e.g. one cluster of grapes that had to be carried by two men) and 2) the size of the inhabitants.

This report was met with mixed feelings. Caleb, one of the spies, with his focus on God and God’s plan, said, “Let us go up at once and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it” (v.30). The other spies, focused on the obstacles that stood in their way and their own ineptitude (“we saw the giants…we were in our own sight as grasshoppers” v.33). Their report was an evil report, “We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we” (v.31).

Notice the different faith makes. Seeing God in the picture changes the way we view obstacles, opportunities, even ourselves. How will we choose to see things today? Through the lens of humanity and what we are able to accomplish? Or through the lens of faith and what God is able to accomplish through us? Will you see what you can see or what God sees?