So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: “The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge.” Numbers 13:32 (NLT)
Faith and fear operate the same way in your life. They both work to create a vision inside of you that will grow if you entertain it.
But here’s the difference: fear pictures something terrible taking place in your life, whereas faith visualizes something good.
Numbers chapters 13 and 14 give us a good look at what happens when we allow fear to paint pictures in our minds. Moses led the Israelites to the edge of the Promised Land, then sent twelve spies to scope it out. All of the spies returned, declaring the land was incredible, but ten began to paint horrifying pictures of impenetrable cities and massive, terrifying brutes living there.
And what happened? A spirit of fear began to spread throughout a couple million people. The Israelites ended up believing and accepting defeat without even engaging the enemy. Their fearful imaginings took them out without a fight!
Then God basically said, “Head back into the wilderness. Once everyone over twenty has died, I’ll bring your kids into the land I promised you.” God remained faithful to His promises, but blinded by fear, the people couldn’t picture it for themselves.
Is fear scaring you into giving up on God’s promises for areas in your life? Do what 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says, and take thoughts captive before they can become strongholds.
Then, intentionally paint pictures in your mind of God’s promises happening in your life. Operating from a spirit of faith will change how you handle situations and see the future!